Another Path, Another Life

By Gillian Du Caurroy

What if I chose a different career path? What if I married a different person? What if I didn't go to college? Would my life still be the same now? See how things begin for our characters in this prequel to the Love and Betrayal series.

When travelling through England, Gabby discovers what her passion in life really is. Will she

• Language: English
• Publisher: G & G Publishing
• Release date: Dec 20, 2018
• ISBN: 9780648303978

Gillian Du Caurroy

Gillian was born in Sydney, Australia. It was her imaginative mind that sparked the desire to write a novel several years ago. This began the process of what would become the "Love and Betrayal" series. To find out more about her novels, go to her website: www.gillianducaurroy.com For her children's short stories, she goes under the name of Gilly McDuff. To find out more about these stories, go to her website at: www.gillymcduffauthor.weebly.com

Book preview

Preface

Another Path, Another Life by Gillian Du Caurroy is the third book in the Love and Betrayal series, following on from Book 1 – Journey of Love and Betrayal , and Book 2 – Inquisitive Minds .

This installment was written as a prequel to the events in Books 2 and 3. It tells the back story of the main characters, best friends Gabby, Dianne, and Virginia, as young women in their twenties embarking on the adventures of adult life. It plays upon the many influences that surface at this critical time in one’s development: finishing college and starting a career; new romance; travel; heartbreak; following one’s dreams versus doing the ‘expected’ and conventionally ‘right’ thing.

Another Path, Another Life showcases the protagonists’ core personalities, before they are shaped by life's challenges, and how they each transform into the characters of Books 2 and 3.

Prologue

Have I really made the wrong decision? Mom and Dad were right! I should have listened to them. How could I have goofed up so badly! What will I do? I can’t call them and tell them I’m stranded, knee-deep in mud, somewhere in the English countryside, and ask them to come and pick me up...

Each step Gabby took in the sludge brought the disappointment from her parents to the fore. Her thoughts were deep, and her mood was melancholy.

How could this happen? She questioned her own motives, retracing the events leading up to this moment, when she had so confidently boarded a plane at LA airport.

Her hopes and dreams of following her heart were now crushed in one fell swoop.

Chapter One

Contemplating her plight , Gabby couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed, and still the constant nagging thoughts lingered, even when she tried so hard to let them go.

Don’t go overseas now. You need to concentrate on your accounting career. There’s time for travel later. If you go now, you’ll never get back into the swing of things. You need a job with potential. You need stability...

It was Saturday, February 11. The day Gabby had been waiting for, for some time. Her flight was at 4:50 p.m. and LA. airport was busy, as usual. The constant discussions of her future had grown tired, and all she wanted to do was board the plane and just forget about everything.

She placed her hand luggage in the overhead compartment and made herself comfortable by taking her shoes off, then she sank back into the window seat and listened to the cacophony that was customary with passengers boarding a plane. Soon enough, her own thoughts took over.

Argh! The voices of her parents rang loud in her mind even now, as she was sitting on the plane.

She was still torn between following the recommendation of her parents to work in accounting and the quiet desire to follow her heart by becoming a yoga teacher. The two careers were total opposites, and this was exactly how she felt every time the subject was brought up – torn apart.

The decision to travel proved to have its own arguments, but this was one thing that Gabby knew for sure she needed to do.

IF I HAD KNOWN I WOULD be traipsing through the English countryside, knee-deep in sludge, I would have given up the idea of traveling a long time ago, laughed Gabby, trying to roll up her yoga pants and make light of the unfortunate incident.

The tour had been great so far, even though it had only been a couple of days.

"This is like one of those what-ifs that run around your mind at some stage, but you never really believe it will happen to you," agreed Marie.

When their tour bus had had an accident with a car on a narrow road, close to Stratford-upon-Avon, they were given the option of waiting for another coach, which would take about two hours to arrive, or attempt to walk to the village that they were staying at, which was approximately four kilometers away. Being an active group, they decided on the latter.

Gabby and Marie hit it off immediately, upon discovering their mutual love of yoga. Marie was from Australia, and her appearance was deceiving since she was actually ten years older than Gabby.

It really is quite funny when you think about it, said Gabby, stepping over a fallen tree branch.

You mean the fact that we have traveled thousands of miles to be here, saved up for months to do this tour, and now we are knee-deep in mud with no bus to take us to our next destination? replied Marie, with a sly smile.

Gabby laughed at the prospect put so plainly by her new friend. Some of the tour group walking behind heard the comment and added their own twists to the story. There were laughs all around, and if there was still any inhibition at all with this group, then the ice was officially broken.

It’s lucky we are so close to our accommodation, don’t you think? I’d say William Shakespeare is guiding us from above, added Marie, shifting her gaze up toward the sky, with a half smile.

You might be right, said Gabby, noticing ahead of her some small cottages as people seemed to be coming into sight, which meant that the town of William Shakespeare was close by. His birthplace is on the main street in Stratford, isn’t it?

I believe so. Henley Street? Yes, I think from memory that is the name of it.

The walk, although not a long distance, was a tad adventurous, passing through long, wet grass and various muddy areas, due to the recent downpour. However, it didn’t dampen the spirits of this tour group. They kept each other company and had a laugh about the situation, comparing it to other predicaments that had occurred over the years.

Having the village in sight gave them hope that the trek would not be much longer.

I hope they get all our luggage over in time for tonight. I’m looking forward to a nice, warm shower and clean clothes, said Gabby, looking down at her now muddy, grass-covered yoga pants, not to mention her wet trainers.

I hope so too. I think those bathrooms are shared among the rooms on the floor, so first in, best dressed! added Marie. We will have to put our shoes to dry somewhere. Mine are soaking!

The two women were happy to lead the group. It was like a march, where everyone walked two by two along the narrow verge alongside the road. Before long, an actual footpath came into view on the opposite side, which would make the walk slightly easier, with no wet grass or sticks to contend with.

Ahh! screamed Gabby.

Marie, who had sped up a little ahead of Gabby, rushed back to her side.

Oh my gosh! Are you all right? Marie tried to help her friend up, who appeared to have fallen into a shallow drain, but struggled with her bag getting in the way and Gabby’s awkward position.

A few people, who were close on their heels, stopped to help.

Oh no! What happened? said one woman as Gabby grasped her ankle, grimacing in pain.

Marie carefully hurried to where there was a gap between the people and warned everyone of the concealed drain. The message was passed back through the long line of people.

Are you okay? asked the same woman, who took her backpack off, ready to lend Gabby a hand.

I think I’ve sprained my ankle.

The woman grasped her hand, and just as she was about to pull her up, a man appeared behind her to lend a hand. Together, they helped Gabby up and supported her.

Do you mind if I take a look? the man said, concerned. I’m PJ.

Thanks. I’m Gabby, she grimaced.

Gabby held on to the woman’s arm as PJ crouched, pulling her muddy sock down slightly, only to notice her ankle appeared bruised and swollen. Marie rejoined her friend and took over from the woman.

Can you stand on it? he asked quite comfortingly, supporting her weight.

Gabby gingerly put her foot down as a group from the tour bus now gathered around her.

Well, it’s very tender. I don’t think it’s broken, but it might be a bad sprain.

She tried again, and by this time the tour guide and driver had joined them.

Oh no! Are you all right? What’s your name? said John, the tour guide. He retrieved his cell phone from his pocket and began entering some details. Do you think you’ll be able to make it, with help of course, down the road? Our accommodation isn’t too far, he said, picking up Gabby’s backpack and positioning it on his shoulder.

Gabby put her foot down again. She was in quite a bit of pain but used the support of Marie and PJ to help her.

Yes, I’ll be okay to get there...I think. She hesitated, thinking that if she asked for any medical help, it could take a long time, and all she wanted to do was get to her room and rest.

John instructed everyone to make their way across the road, where a wider footpath had started. There were quaint-looking cottages sporadically appearing now and, thankfully, not much longer to go until they could all rest.

A light sprinkle of rain dampened the path ahead. No sooner had it started than the sun shone through, and a beautiful rainbow appeared right before them.

It was an absolutely beautiful scene as the Tudor cottages and cobblestone streets with flowers blooming from pots and draping over window ledges appeared before them, making it look like a picture postcard.

Oh, how beautiful! I love rainbows, said Gabby stopping suddenly and seemingly forgetting the pain in her ankle, making her two supports also stop.

It is gorgeous, and the smell of the rain is so fresh, added Marie.

You know what they say about rainbows, said PJ.

No. What do they say?

Count your rainbows, not your thunderstorms. He looked down toward Gabby’s injured ankle and smiled at her.

Gabby was surprised by his comment, not being used to hearing such a deep observation from a guy her age.

Yes, you’re right. My ankle will be better in no time, and I’m sure I’m going to look back on this in years to come, laughing about it.

They all had a chuckle at the irony of it.

When we get to our accommodation, I’ll do some Reiki on it, if you like, he offered.

Gabby shifted herself, pushing her handbag to her back, which had managed to swing in front of her. PJ was surprising her again with his sensitivity.

That would be great, thank you. I’ve often heard about the benefits of Reiki, but I’ve never experienced it.

Not to worry, I can do that. He smiled, emitting a comforting attitude.

Gabby noticed his kind eyes. He was boyishly handsome, with dark brown hair, neatly cut. He had a slight accent, and she couldn’t guess what it was at this stage.

Is that what you do for a living? Are you a Reiki practitioner? asked Gabby.

Marie had dropped her arms away from Gabby for a second at this point, to look for something in her bag, but she was confident that PJ offered all the support needed for her friend.

I wish! No, it’s not. But I’m a Reiki Master, and I do practice on friends and relatives who ask.

By this stage, the driver, Robert, and John had taken over the lead and encouraged everyone to keep going.

Marie supported Gabby on her left and PJ on her right.

They found a comfortable rhythm that took them all the way to the accommodation.

The White Swan Hotel appeared to be all that was expected. Warm, cozy, quaint, and very inviting.

Gabby’s ankle was throbbing by this point and, although she was taking in her surroundings, the constant pain had distracted her thoughts.

Come. We’ll sit over here while they organize everything. PJ guided Gabby over to a reception area. She gladly went along with his idea. The pain was etched on her face now that the aching had started.

Ouch! I think it’s much worse than I expected.

With the help of Marie, they piled their backpacks in such a way that Gabby could raise her foot onto them for support.

I’ll go and ask at reception if we can get an ice pack. Marie was off in a flash, leaving PJ to look after Gabby.

I think I should take my sock and shoe off now. But it is going to get very swollen once I do that.

Yes, you’d better do that now that we are resting.

He carefully unlaced her Nike training shoes, which were covered in grass and mud. Her sock was stained brown as he carefully stretched it out so as not to put any pressure on her foot.

Ewww! That looks bad. Gabby couldn’t believe the size of her ankle.

It’s more swollen than I thought it would be. Don’t worry, we’ll get you better in no time.

He reassured Gabby and placed his hand on hers. A warm sensation ran through her hand and almost a tingling feeling that she couldn’t describe.

Here you go. Marie had an ice pack and a small white towel in her hand. She carefully placed the white towel underneath Gabby’s foot on the backpack and the ice pack wrapped around her ankle. She then wrapped the towel around the ice pack, securing it in place.

Thanks, Marie. I hope this will get the swelling down.

It should, but you’re going to have to rest that ankle a lot to get it better soon, suggested Marie. You’d better take some paracetamol or something too, to help with the pain.

Yes, I will, and PJ is going to do Reiki on it, she said, grateful for the therapy. 

Oh, that’s great. I’ve had many Reiki sessions back home, and they always make me feel so relaxed, added Marie.

PJ left the women for a minute while he interrupted the tour guide and driver in a discussion. Excuse me. Do you know how long it will be before we get to our rooms? he inquired politely.

Not long now. In fact, here they are with the keys now, John replied, just as the reception staff started handing out the keys to each tour group guest.

PJ had a room to himself, but Gabby and Marie were sharing. He took his keys and approached the women in the lounge.

Guess what? he said, dangling the keys in front of them.

At last! they chimed in unison.

Marie carried Gabby’s and her own bags, while PJ carried his own and supported Gabby as they made their way up the corridor and elevator to their rooms.

The rooms were comfortable and cozy.

Which bed would you like? asked Marie.

I’m not fussy. You pick.

Okay, I’ll have that one. Marie plonked her bag next to the bed and then helped PJ with Gabby.

Now, I know you’re probably dying to have a shower, but how about you sit back on the bed for a while with that ice pack and then tackle the shower later? Marie was like a mother. She was very caring.

Sure. I can do that. Do you think I should have this looked at? By a doctor, I mean?

It wouldn’t hurt, just in case. I’ll go and investigate. In the meantime, PJ will look after you. She winked and then walked out the door.

So, Gabby, do you want me to start the Reiki now? he asked politely, feeling slightly awkward after Marie’s remark.

Oh no. Please go and get your room sorted. I’ll be fine here, she stated.

No, no, the room will be there. It’s best we get you on the fast track to recovery, he said gently. His voice soothed Gabby as she tried to guess his accent.

Okay, if you’re sure. That would be great. Thank you.

Okay, just relax, that’s all you need to do. If you feel any warm sensations, just relax into it. Okay?

Okay.

PJ sat at the end of the bed and placed his opened hands, palms facing Gabby. He closed his eyes, as did Gabby after she had a good look at him. He was very caring, and this was so sweet of him to offer the treatment. She felt very grateful. She wondered what his story was, since he had mentioned that he wished he was a Reiki practitioner but obviously wasn’t.

With these thoughts, she closed her eyes and relaxed.

He took a few deep breaths and began the Reiki. She could feel the warmth drift up her feet and through her legs as she grew even more relaxed. Her legs tingled. She must have drifted off into a pleasant doze as she seemed to have a dream or visions of a lion.

Rousing from her relaxation, she opened her eyes to find PJ smiling at her. His hands were down on his legs, and he was just sitting.

Well, hello there. It seems you were very relaxed, he said, smiling still.

Gabby blinked her sleepy eyes and stretched.

I think I fell asleep. Is that normal? She felt a little embarrassed. It must have been the stress of it all, or something...

Quite normal. You really took well to the Reiki. How do you feel?

Actually, I feel wonderful! What did you do? I felt a warm sensation rush through me and, before I knew it, I think I had a dream or something.

Oh, really? What was it?

It was a lion. Just a lion. Nothing else.

Hmmm. That’s interesting, he said, pleased with his efforts.

Why?

Because as I was doing the Reiki, I too saw an image of a lion. His smile was contagious as he moved to Gabby’s side and sat on the bed.

How long did that take? asked Gabby.

Well, I think an hour. I haven’t seen Marie. She may have come in and seen we were in the midst of Reiki and then disappeared.

An hour! Oh my gosh! You must be exhausted.

"No, not really, but I’d better go and get my things in my room. I’ll see you soon, okay?

Okay. Thank you so much for helping me. I mean it. You’ve been so wonderful, practically carrying me down the road and then looking after me. The Reiki was amazing, and my ankle is already feeling better, marveled Gabby.

Gabby was overcome with the kindness that PJ showed. She was so grateful and felt bad that she couldn’t express her gratitude enough.

It’s no problem, seriously. I enjoyed it.

Oh, PJ, can I ask you a question? inquired Gabby, just as he walked toward the door.

Sure, what is it?

What does PJ stand for?

Ahh, I’ll tell you another time. You can keep guessing until then.

Chapter Two

Y es, sir, with my determination and experience in leading a team, I can guarantee that the girls will not only learn the skills at competition level, they will learn life skills that will take them far beyond their days as cheerleaders, stated Dianne. Her delivery was confident and hopeful.

This was the fifth club that Dianne had approached today. She hoped that all the hard work and preparation would stand her in good stead for at least one of the teams to vie for her coaching skills.

Thank goodness that’s over! she said, plonking herself into the car seat. The day had been very long and tedious. The task of selling yourself and promising that you can deliver something would be draining for anyone, but today Dianne was not feeling herself.

In fact, today, Dianne was feeling like she had a one-hundred-year-old body. Considering the fact that she was trying to put across a vibrant, sophisticated, and determined attitude, her body just wasn’t co-operating, and there wasn’t a good reason that she could think.

As she drove home in her white Mustang, with the top down, not even one of her favorite songs could change the way she was feeling. Driving through the traffic of Los Angeles on a Friday afternoon could make anyone feel lethargic, but this was a heavy feeling.

With the events of the day running through her mind, with all the directors, coaches and officials she had tried to impress, she hoped that one, just one, would think that she could change the course of their cheerleading team and hire her. Pronto!

She reached the driveway of her apartment block and parked the car, grabbing her folders, laptop, handbag, and keys. As she took herself up to the elevator bay, a feeling of nauseousness came over her, and luckily the elevator arrived swiftly and landed at her floor. Within seconds she was running down the corridor to number 6, her key was in the door, and she made it just in time to get to the bathroom, before being ill.

The perspiration had formed beads on her forehead she noticed as she looked in the mirror, splashing water on her face.

There was something wrong about this. She thought that she may have a virus, so carefully lying down on the bed, she propped her head up, put a cold compress on her forehead, and dozed off.

The tiredness finally disabled her body, and she was able to just be still. She lay like this for two hours, before Michael arrived home, tired from the five personal training sessions across the city, but full of excitement because it was the weekend and they were going to see a band play tonight.

Honey! I’m home! he shouted from the front door. Noticing the front door was not locked, Dianne’s handbag dumped on the floor, and the blinds still open in the living room, he thought something was unusual.

As he found her lying on their bed, dressed in the same clothes as this morning with her shoes still on, he knew something was not right.

Dianne, are you okay? he touched her hand and got no response. Baby, what’s up? he persisted.

She roused herself enough to answer his question.

I felt so tired all day, and when I came home...I threw up. Sorry, hun... Her words were slurred and her eyes remained closed.

Oh, baby. I wonder why? Maybe you’re catching something. Did any of the schoolgirls have anything during the week?

Dianne had a full-on schedule this week and had attended two coaching training sessions. "No, I don’t think so. This