(no subject)
Title: The Holiday
Author: Lady Macbeth
Story: Butterfly Effect
Character: Grace/Juliet
Challenge: Milk Chocolate #5 [Obligation], Green Tea #15 [Modern]
Extra: Brownie, Cherry [Longest I have ever written]
Word Count: 5,725
Summary: A family holiday with Juliet’s family. Who ever thought that that was a good idea?
DAY ONE
“My family’s crazy.” Grace sighed audibly; looking over her steamy cup of coffee and fixing an iron stare on her lover.
“You may have mentioned that once or twice already.” Juliet just continued fidgeting, ripping at her bagel rather than eating it. Grace quickly reached over and grasped her hand in comfort. “I love you, nothing even your family can change that.” Grace repeated for what seemed like the hundredth time. It did little to sedate the nervous Juliet.
“You don’t understand…” she trailed off, brushing her hair out of her eyes. “I wish you could have met them under normal circumstances like a dinner or something, instead of a two week family holiday.” She sighed in defeat, eyes wandering around the airport again as if her little sister would materialize out of thin air.
They were in the Airport of Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Mallorca was a little island which was favoured as a holiday destination by Germans and Juliet’s parents, who, Juliet explained to Grace, had rented a house in a small historical town about an hour away from Palma for almost two decades running now. Juliet’s sister, Sophia, was due to arrive any second, which was when, for efficiency’s sake, Juliet’s parents were picking them up.
Sophia was bringing her boyfriend, the Swedish Milo, to introduce to the family, which had in turn made her encourage Juliet to bring Grace. Juliet’s brother, Mark, was brining his own wife, Laila, who was six months pregnant. Then there were Juliet’s parents, her grandfather, her aunt and her cousin and her daughter. It was a huge family get together, masked as a holiday. Juliet was worried sick; Grace was reasonably relaxed. She wanted to make a good impression on the family, but she also wasn’t worried; she’s heard tales from Juliet stressing her mother’s kindness and her father’s caring nature.
The journey over had been long. After a seven hour plane trip from Newark to Munich and a two hour ride from Munich to Palma, the lovers were exhausted, livened only briefly by the strong Spanish coffee they had found in the tiny airport.
“Can we run through names one last time?” Grace asked, rubbing her eyes and smiling at Juliet, who returned her smile weakly.
“’kay.” The brunette agreed. “My sister is called Sophia. Her boyfriend speaks broken English and is called Milo. I’ve never met him, but I know he’s a nice guy.” Grace nodded, imagining a towering Swede. She’d already met Sophia when Juliet’s younger sister had come to New York to visit her sister last spring. They’d gotten on very well.
“My brother’s called Mark and his wife, Laila, speaks fluent English and German, so there won’t be any language barrier there. She’s pregnant, though she usually works in Publishing law, i.e. Copyright stuff.” Grace nodded again.
Before Juliet could continue, a shrike rang through the airport that Juliet recognised but which scared the living daylights out of Grace. Grace spun around, only to see a mess of bright colours and thick blond hair embrace Juliet. Behind the hurricane of happiness, which was usually known as Sophia, followed a short, bespectacled young man, who wiped his own blond hair out of his eyes and smiled at Grace awkwardly. “Hello.” She got up and extended a hand to him while the sister’s grinned and laughed in a joyful reunion behind them. “I’m Grace, Juliet’s girlfriend.”
He blushed a deep red and coughed awkwardly, though he extended his own hand too. “I’m Milo.” He muttered in accented English. “Nice to meet you.”
“Grace!” Letting go of Milo’s hand, Grace turned around only to be engulfed in the same powerful embrace that Juliet had been held in second earlier.
“Hello Sophia.” Grace managed in a strangled reply, hugging the over enthusiastic woman back. “It’s good to see you too.”
Sophia released Grace and held her at arm’s length. The sisterly similarities in Juliet and Sophia were often missed by strangers because they had different hair colours and skin tones and heights and builds. Where Juliet was small and thin with pale skin and coppery hair, Sophia was tall and well built with strong muscles from her rowing. She had blond hair but a tanned skin tone, betraying the fact she’s already spent much of the summer in the sun. However, to Grace, these major differences did nothing to hide their blinding similarities; the shape of the face, the way they smiled, their enthusiasm and their contagious happiness.
“I assume you and Milo have met.” Sophia turned to her boyfriend, who looked slightly awkward. She turned back to Grace with a smile. “I warned him that my sister was a lesbian but I don’t think he believed me until now.” She told Grace winking. Then grabbing Juliet’s arm, she dragged her sister next to her. In a few clipped Swedish words she told Milo something before turning back to Juliet.
“This is Milo.” She introduced the small blond man. “He and I are working in Copenhagen together.”
“I know.” Juliet replied, giving the man her signature smile and shaking his hand, though she surveyed him in calculation. “He’d better be good enough for you.” Juliet added, glancing at her sister again. Sophia just grinned.
“He’s perfect.” She told Juliet, flicking some of the blond hair that had escaped the thick braid and grinning. “He can understand us, you know?” She added after a second, during which Juliet eyed him up again.
“I bet he can.” Juliet agreed, smiling at Milo again. “Is she usually like this?” She asked Milo, gesturing to Sophia barely being able to stand still. Milo laughed.
“Not usually.” His English was accented, but good. “Normally she’s worse.” Juliet grinned with him as Sophia playfully pushed him with an exclamation of “You lie!”
They chatted for a bit in a light hearted manner, Grace unusually quite observing the interaction between her lover and her sister. She didn’t like the occasional looks of uncertainty that Milo cast in her direction or her hand entwined with Juliet’s, but she decided to ignore them. There was no evil in them; only curiosity and confusion.
Then Sophia’s phone cut through their chatter with loud, shrill beeps, which announced that Juliet’s parents were waiting at some specific meeting point or another. With their large bags in tow, the small group trotted there, Juliet and Sophia leading the way with animated chatter, reminiscing all the times they’d waited in this airport, followed by Milo and Grace who walked in an awkward silence.
Juliet didn’t have very many pictures of her parents, but the ones she had were unnecessary; Grace recognised Audrey and Ryan Pollock immediately. Both were well into their sixties; though Mrs Pollock was still very fit with the same build as her young daughter, though her hair was a motherly, kind grey with some artificial streaks of colour. Mr Pollock was a plump man with salt and pepper hair and a ready smile. Both parents hugged their daughters before turning to Grace and Milo.
Having already met Milo, they quickly embraced the European and exchanged some German greeting with him, enquiring after his health and family before turning to Grace.
Mrs Pollock stepped forward, grinning. “You must be Grace. I’m Audrey Pollock.” She introduced herself, shaking Grace’s hands enigmatically. “I’ve heard so much about you!” She grinned. “It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
Grace smiled back. “It’s nice to meet you too. Juliet has told me so much about you.” Mrs Pollock’s grin widened in elation.
“All good I hope.” Mr Pollock cut in as his wife released Grace’s hand. He shook it too. “I’m Ryan Pollock.” He introduced himself. “It’s wonderful to meet you too.” Releasing Grace’s hand, Mr Pollock turned to survey the group. “Now, Audrey and I were thinking that you guys should rent your own car and spilt the cost between the four of you because we have one extra car at the house, so three would be enough.”
“Sounds good.” Juliet and Sophia agreed instantly. “I’ll go and deal with it.” Sophia volunteered, extending a hand to Milo as she as Mr Pollock walked towards one of the many rental car desks dotted around the airport. Milo fell into step next to her, leaving Juliet, Grace and Mrs Pollock with all the luggage.
“So, Grace, where do you come from?” Mrs Pollock smiled happily at her daughter and her girlfriend.
“I’m from Portland, Oregon, though I left about four years ago to move to New York.” Grace explained. “I went to University in California though.”
“Oh, where?” Mrs Pollock looked interested.
“Stanford.” Grace admitted. Mrs Pollock nodded in approval.
“We considered Stanford for Juliet for a bit.” She told Grace. Juliet nodded.
“Ma thought it was too far away though. Its more than ten hours from California to Germany. That was too far.”
“How far is it from the East coast?” Grace asked, confused.
“Only six.” Mrs Pollock explained. “See, six hours is a lot better than ten.” Grace nodded. “Anyway, Juliet had her heart set on New York City.”
“Who wouldn’t?” Juliet demanded with a grin.
Grace knew all about her girlfriends deep set and never leaving love of New York City. Grace had watched, hadn’t she, as Juliet attended Columbia for her bachelor’s degree before commuting to Princeton for her law degree? Now that Juliet had graduated from both, the young woman was even considering a master’s in International Relations at Columbia again. “Who wouldn’t?” Grace agreed, flicking the hair out of Juliet’s face with a grin. Mrs Pollock pursed her lips.
“New York is nothing compared to Germany.” She pointed out, making her daughter sigh.
“Ma; were not having this debate.” Juliet told her mother flatly, though there was hint of a teasing grin on her lips. Her mother sighed melodramatically.
“Fine! You just refuse to see the greatness of the Fatherland!” She joked, looking away in a huff.
“Oh, are we having the age old New York City vs. Germany debate?” Sophia joined them again, key to a car dangling. Juliet went to snatch it, but her sister’s reflexes were much faster, holding it away from her teasingly.
“Yes, we are, and gimme that!” Juliet demanded, snatching the key. “I’m driving.” She added as she held it carefully.
“Shotgun!” Grace knew how to handle families, though the surprise on Sophia’s and Milo’s face was priceless.
“Hey! That’s not fair!” Sophia called as Juliet grinned at Grace and picked up one of their bags. They started walking towards the car, a grinning Mrs Pollock and a chuffed Mr Pollock in tow. Arriving at the car, they checked their bags in.
“You can’t sit shotgun.” Sophia pointed out as Grace walked to the passenger door.
“Why not?” Grace demanded with a grin.
“Because Milo doesn’t know the whole shotgun game, and hence it’s unfair to him.”
Grace turned around and smiled at Milo. “Would you deny me sitting in the front seat after almost twelve hours of travelling?” He wouldn’t dream of it; he shook his head almost violently, though he blushed slightly at her almost seductive smile.
“No, don’t worry about me.” He told her, making her smile.
“See?” Juliet called to Sophia, slipping into the car. “Get in. You’re just jealous because my girlfriend knows how to deal with us.”
“Am not.” Sophia muttered, slipping into the car, grumbling under her breath how she never thought she would be sitting in the back while her sister, her sister drove.
Grace turned in her seat to grin at Sophia. “I have two sisters too.” She explained.
“Really?” Sophia looked surprised.
“Yes. My twin sister Lotti and my little sister Maddie; Lotti is an Investment Banker and Maddie is still in college, though she’s planning on becoming a lawyer or a journalist. Maddie’s your age, actually.” Grace added after a second; she and Juliet had worked that out on the plane.
“Oh. She sounds fun.” Sophia replied, grinning happily, though she was staring out of the window into the desert landscape which had always fascinated her with its drab brown and dusty yellow, which somehow still manage to seduce her with its slow, simple beauty of forgetting and surviving the harsh rays of sun.
This is what she loved, what her sister loved, about this place. It was a ruin, forgotten and left to rot, and yet somehow it was too opulent, too royal to rot. A romanticised ruin, which Lethe guarded with her sleepy, lethargic hand, giving the sun and the fatigue of the day more power and the night a dreamier; more lost memory.
* * *
After an hour in the car, the sleepy silence punctuated only by quick remarks on Juliet’s driving and directions to Arta they arrived. The town was like a fortress with an impressive church built up on a hill. An ancient cobbled road lead up to the church, snaking its way around the thick base of the hill. Juliet parked their car on a street though, quickly explaining to Milo and Grace that the entrance to the house was situated on a street which was too narrow to park a car on, and hence they would have to walk the last hundred metres.
Bags were swiftly unloaded and lugged up the slope. Juliet’s parent’s car was already parked on the road, announcing their presence within the house as they approached. A small, green shutter opened to reveal a large and impressive wooden door with a knocker that reminded Grace of the door knocker in a Christmas Carol.
Juliet didn’t have time to let the large knocker hammer against the door as the barking of three small terriers ripped through the silence, announcing their arrival louder than any knocker or doorbell ever would. The barking was abated by some gentle but strict words from Mrs. Pollock as she opened the door, her leg preventing the three excited dogs from attacking the strangers before they managed to enter. Despite its size, only half the front door was opened, and that half, thanks to the small shutter it encompassed, was miniscule.
With a rush and sound wave that Grace was used to thanks to her own large family, Juliet’s brother David and his wife Laila came down the stairs to greet them, followed by Juliet’s lean, athletic cousin Sarah and Juliet’s great aunt on her mother’s side, who betrayed very few signs of aging, and Juliet’s Grandfather, a hearty old man who, Grace was told, firmly believed that Grace and Juliet were just friends. It was hard to remember everyone’s name and face in the rush of introductions, especially with three separate languages floating around Grace’s head, of which English was the only one she understood. She managed though, finding herself following Sarah to her room.
Juliet smiled at Sarah as teenager put down their suitcases. She was tall, wearing shorts and a tank top she looked like her father. There were few Pollock genes in her, but she did have their strong cheek bones and freckles, like Juliet. Juliet vividly remembered as a teenager teaching Sarah to swim in the pool at the bottom of the garden and running over the plaza with her. Now, she was on the swim team and on the track team, running every morning and dazzling everyone with her dives. If only Juliet had seen that skill in the slow six year old…
“I’m so happy to see you!” Sarah was finding it hard to stand still, dancing around the tired couple in an elated happiness that Juliet clearly remembered from the spoilt six year old. “They said you might be coming when they invited me, so immediately I was like, if Juliet’s coming, then so am I!” Her short brown hair was messy as she danced, her freckled face alight with happiness. “And now I get to meet you, Grace! You’re so amazing and I know this even though I have only met you three minutes ago because everyone who likes Juliet’s amazing because she’s amazing!”
“Sarah.” Juliet’s voice wasn’t strict; just a little impatient. Sarah stopped dancing. “I love you very much, but right now I haven’t had enough sleep to deal with your excitement.” Instead of being hurt by that comment, Sarah just grinned.
“I know.” She stated, walking towards the door. “I’m just so happy… I’ll wake you for dinner, shall I?”
“Yes, please.” Juliet smiled happily before the door closed and she collapsed on the bed. The room they’d received was large and light; there were sky lights in the ceiling, allowing light to filter in despite the shuttered windows. “We don’t have AC, so you will learn to love that fan.” Juliet told Grace with a tired smile, gesturing at a small, rickety fan that really didn’t look like it could cool down a whole room.
“I’ll survive.” Grace assured Juliet, lying down on the bed next to her, kicking off her shoes and smiling happily. Juliet returned the smile, though her eyes were rapidly closing; unlike Grace she had not been able to sleep a single second on the long flight to Europe. Grace watched her lover fall asleep, smiling. “Your family really is crazy.” She assured her sleeping companion. “And it makes me love you so much more.” A smile curled on Juliet’s lips.
DAY THREE
There was a routine to the mess of a household, one which Grace worked out. Around nine the sunlight would filter into their room, waking the two women gradually. They would then come down to a table weighed down with an assortment of breakfast delights, from which they would pick their favourites and then go out on the terrace where Juliet’s parents, great aunt (whose name still was elusive to Grace) and grandfather (John) were already eating. Sarah would come up from the pool within minutes, steal half the food on Juliet’s plate while regaling them with the adventures from her run and subsequent swim. Early morning Artá seemed to have more life in it then late night Arta.
Slowly the rest of the family would wake up the diminished breakfast table until David, who always slept the latest, woke up to lunch. By then, most of the family would be down at the pool in various states of undress. Juliet hid in the airy stone house that stood at the edge of the pool, too pale to tan. She would read for hours, until someone coaxed or threw her in the water, depending. Then she would play around like a ten year old with David and Sophia, spraying each other and various other members of the family with their water guns. Grace, on the other hand, spent most of the day sprawled in the sun, tanning, until Juliet was in the water, where she always joined her.
Juliet’s father didn’t tan, like Juliet, though he always fell asleep around the pool, meaning that he sported sunburns everywhere. Juliet’s mother tanned and spent the whole day attempting to do so when she wasn’t being sprayed by her children. Milo, pale as he was, stayed in the pavilion with Juliet, where to two began a precarious friendship, thanks to his high school English and her pitiful attempts at Swedish. Laila and David both tanned and spent the whole day doing so, lying on the edge of the pool when they came too late for chairs.
Some days, though, this routine evaporated and gave way to wonderful, tempting chaos. For example, that Tuesday.
At eight o’clock a loud call through the house woke Juliet and Grace, though they were certain that it wasn’t for them, they made to fall asleep again. That was before a loud pounding on the door interrupted them. Sarah strode in without waiting for permission to do so. “Morning!”
“Are you ever not cheerful?” Grace rubbed her eyes in fatigue as she sat up on her elbows to look at Sarah. Juliet just murmured something and put her head under her pillow.
Sarah grinned at that. “When I have my period I’m moody,” She replied, “But that’s not why I’m up here.”
“Then why in God’s name, are you up here?” Grace asked, making Sarah grin even more, if that was possible.
“The Arta market’s on today.” The teenager supplied, brushing her dark hair out of her eyes with a grin.
“And?” Juliet’s voice was muffled from underneath the pillow, but the annoyed edge didn’t go missing on Sarah and Grace.
“Grace should see it. And it’s fun!” Sarah explained to the pillow.
“It’s still there at noon. No need to wake us this early.” Juliet replied, sticking her head from underneath the pillow.
“At noon it’s hot and uncomfortable and crowded.” Sarah replied. “So, if you go now it will be fun, not annoying.”
“You’re annoying.” Juliet muttered, taking the pillow from her face and glaring at her cousin, though she was preparing to get up.
“I know.” Sarah replied, skipping out of the room. Her work here was done; Juliet and Grace were coming to the market. Now to torture Sophia and Milo…
* * *
“What’s the Arta market?” Grace was slipping into her airy dress as Juliet in the bathroom of the suite was washing the sleep from her eyes.
“Just like a flea market. Do you remember the African market we went to in Harlem?” Grace nodded, though Juliet couldn’t see her she knew the response was positive. “It’s kind of like that, though a lot bigger with stuff local to Mallorca. I got this from there last year.” Grace looked up to find Juliet pointing at one of the leather bracelets she wore during the summer. It was good quality and pretty on her slight wrist. Grace nodded to that.
“They have some good bags and some awesome beach dresses there too, from something like €5 each.” Sophia explained, walking into their room without knocking. She walked over to the small, old fashioned make up table where Grace was sitting, touching up her makeup and picked up some of the assortment of necklaces. Picking out her favourite she held it up. “Can I borrow this?” She asked.
“It’s Grace’s.” Juliet replied, sticking her head out of the bathroom to look at it. Grace turned to inspect it and then shrugged.
“You can borrow it.” She told Sophia who smiled, pleased, and donned the necklace over a long blue dress she was wearing. “I like your dress.” She added, looking back in the mirror to perfect the eyeliner.
“Thanks.” Sophia replied, grinning. “I got it at this amazing market in the Virgin Islands two years ago for like 10 bucks.”
“You’re Popop’s granddaughter, if nothing else, Soph.” Juliet told her sister, grinning as she emerged from the bathroom and looked from something to wear on the floor (where she kept all her clothes, clean and dirty). Popop was what the three children called their grandfather, who could afford to live in the retirement home he lived in because he was such a bargain hunter. He reminded them of that all the time.
“And I’m proud of that!” Sophia told Juliet, walking out of their room to return to Milo. As if on second thought, she returned second later. “And by the way, you shop at Lohmans. That makes you as bad!” She told Juliet with a smirk, ducking out of the room quickly, avoiding the pillow that had been aimed at her head and allowing that to hit the empty door instead.
Grace couldn’t help but laugh at the ‘sisterly affection’ which was only too familiar to her. “What are you laughing at?!” Juliet demanded in faux anger, nudging Grace to the side so they could both share the small stool to adjust their makeup.
“Nothing.” Grace grinned at Juliet’s reflection in the mirror.
“I warned you that my family was crazy. But did you listen?” Juliet shook her head, making Grace chuckle.
“I always listen to you.” Grace assured Juliet, kissing her on the cheek lightly.
“Sure you do.” Juliet mocked, messing up her makeup.
“Here, let me do that.” Grace took the eyeliner from Juliet and carefully drew it on while Juliet sat there, barely breathing, eyes fluttering at Grace’s slight touch. Grace finished, eyeing her work critically before kissing Juliet lightly. “All done.” She whispered against her lover’s cheek.
Juliet’s eyes opened and her mouth quickly found Grace’s again, kissing it tenderly. “I love you.” She whispered, brushing Grace’s hair out of her eyes and tracing her hands over the beautifully tanned skin.
“I know.” Grace replied, smiling. Leaning closer to whisper against Juliet’s lips, she carefully licked her own lips. “I love you too.”
Their tender moment was interrupted by Sarah, who strode into the room. “We’re leaving now.” She told the two women, ignoring their intimate position.
“Oh.” Juliet replied, shooting her cousin a glare. “Have you ever heard of knocking, Sarah?”
“I read about it once.” Sarah admitted, grinning. “I like your make up, Juliet.” She added before leaving the room again. Grace smiled triumphantly.
“I like it too.” Juliet told the fleeing figure of Sarah before she accepted Grace’s outstretched hand and they went downstairs together.
* * *
The Arta market was really everything that Sarah had promised it to be. A collection of colours, smells and sounds that seemed to surround Grace in a dream like haze, she watched the brutal sun climb over the house, setting deep browns and maroon red’s alight in the chill of the morning and making the smells of pastries and croissants thick in the air, mixed with the savoury smells of frying chickens and fat smeared pizzas. The thick linens and the soft silk dresses, the light cotton dyed in outrageous colours that complimented Grace’s skin and sung to her from their bargain prices made her laugh, though she never let go of Juliet’s hand.
“My grandfather must think us the best of best friends.” Juliet whispered in Grace’s ear as they approached the market. Juliet’s breath tickled Grace’s throat as she turned around to look behind them, where Popop Pollock looked around, ambling through the streets with his son in search of bargain goods to spoil Sarah with. Sarah, dancing on ahead of them like a six year old, searched with the same piercing eyes for marvellous treats which her grandfather would no doubt buy her.
“Let him think what he wants.” Juliet added after a second, the morning air making her giddy and brave. “I don’t care anymore.” Grace just smiled.
They bought presents at the market; a thick bracelet for Lisa, cactus for Joey (“It’ll survive the plan journey; all of Soph’s did” Juliet assured Grace), a dress for Amy and a colourful blue leather bracelet for Lucy. Grace selected exotic ear-rings and matching necklaces for Lotti and Maddie, buying her mother a handy cloth bag and her father a dream catcher to hang over his bed (he still believed in superstitions like that).
They left when the sun was too high to make the heat bearable, though before they left Juliet purchased some henna, triumphantly winning it off an old woman for nearly half her asking price with skilful bargain, even if it was done in French (“It’s the only foreign language I know!” “Except for German.” “That’s not really foreign anymore. Anyway, the woman spoke more French than German.” “And more Spanish than either.”).
“What are you going to do with Henna?” Grace had every right to be suspicious.
“Draw on your back.” See?
“Why?” Grace asked.
“Why with Henna or why draw on your back?”
“Both.”
“Henna smells really nice and it will fade within two weeks, especially this natural Henna. And your back is the nicest canvas in the world.”
“That’s a compliment I never thought I’d hear.” Grace grinned.
“I’m glad I’m the first to say it.” Juliet replied, leading Grace through the allies that cursed this historic little town until they reached the villa they resided in, though its façade looked identical to the small houses that surrounded it.
Grace and Juliet were the last to return; everyone else had made themselves comfortable down at the pool except for Popop Pollock, who had gone to have a nap. Leaving their purchases in their room they joined everyone and tanned/read the day away.
DAY SIX
Friday was market day in Calla Rajada, some hour away in the car. Calla Rajada was notably bigger than Arta and the market there was much better, especially its food section, which explained why the culinary Mr Pollock was desperate to go. Everyone but Grace, Juliet and Sarah accompanied them. Sarah had wanted to, but having caught a bad sunburn the day before was doomed to several days’ worth of pain and slight sickness thanks to dehydration. As she was banned to her bed, aloe vera smeared in a thick layer on her sunburnt shoulders, she couldn’t go the market. And Juliet had no stomach to see the live chickens in the cages killed and de-feathered before her eyes when someone asked for chicken at the butchers.
Grace understood her lover’s reluctance and decided to stay with her, despite Sophia’s promises of “more dresses, more bracelets and a huge selection of cacti!”
They walked down to the pool, the sun’s rays warming their bare skin as they smiled at each other, hands entwined. At last, with all the unknowing relatives gone, Juliet could kiss Grace in the water or while they lay in the sun without fearing the approach of any innocent family member.
At the pool Grace dived in the water, grinning up at Juliet where she stood on the edge. “Come on in!” She coaxed.
Juliet frowned, her toe touching the water, retreating quickly. “It’s cold.” She complained.
“Do you want me to push you in?” That threat was enough; Juliet dived in too, her slim body swallowed by the water almost silently until she came up next to Grace, treading the water to stay above it.
“It’s cold.” Juliet repeated, pushing her hair back from her eyes. Grace just laughed, eyes alight.
“I know.” She replied, swimming towards the shallow steps and sitting down on the highest one, her body basking in the warm sunlight. “It’s warmer up here.” She assured Juliet. Juliet joined her, aware of the heat of the sun on her delicate shoulders. Grace just smiled happily.
“I brought the henna down.” Juliet told Grace after a moment of silence as she stood up and made to reach for her towel. Squinting into the sun Grace looked at her lover.
“Are you still intent on tattooing my back?” She asked, her voice neutral. Juliet nodded, shaking her head to dry her hair, sprinkling little droplets all over Grace.
Grace extended her hand to Juliet then, who took it and hauled her up. “Fine.” She agreed. “It’d better not be something rude.” She added as Juliet led her to the small pavilion and the little day bed, made for sleeping away from the sun.
“Did I ever tell you that my first girlfriend was a tattoo artist?” Juliet replied, making Grace lie on her back and carefully drying the droplets of water off the bronze skin and opening her bikini to make the whole back bare.
“No.” Grace replied, adjusting her hand on her arms and gasping in shook as the first brush stroke of cold henna touched the nape of her neck.
“Really?” Juliet asked, intent on the slow drawings that were springing and circling their way around Grace’s back. “Well, she was a tattoo artist in London.”
“Sounds exciting.” Grace was using all her will power not to hate this mysterious woman that Juliet had loved a decade ago. It was difficult though; she could vividly imagine some faceless, beautiful tattoo artist that coaxed Juliet out of her shell.
“She disappeared one day.” Juliet’s voice was sad. That was what had chased her back into her shell; a woman she had loved had disappeared, and Juliet had been the last to know, years later, what happened to her. Juliet’s hand paused as she remembered the letter and slowly written out apology. She closed her eyes, trying to forget the words and remember where she was. I shouldn’t have done it. That apology had been far worse than any other heart break Juliet had ever felt.
Grace turned around, craning her neck to look at Juliet. Catching her lover’s eye, Juliet attempted to smile, to make the nightmares disappear.
“I can’t change what she did to you, Juliet, but I can repair your broken little heart; I can replace it with my own.” Grace sat up, turning around completely and cupping Juliet’s face in her hand. “I love you, no matter what.” She whispered. “I wouldn’t ever leave you.” Grace kissed the tears away from Juliet’s eyes, saltwater tears which the young woman hadn’t even been aware of, before she kissed her lips, lightly, slowly.
Juliet knew that. She knew Grace loved her; she knew Grace would never leave her. So she returned the gentle touch and caressed her face slowly. “I know you love me.” She replied against breathless lips. “I love you so much too.”
“As you should.” Grace replied, deepening their kiss slowly, rolling over so she was straddling Juliet against the bed. Brushing some of Juliet’s hair from her eyes, Grace smiled down at her. “You’re the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” She whispered in her lover’s ear, slowly leaving a trail of kisses down her cheekbone.
Juliet chocked on her breath, her body responding to Grace’s light touches and she found Grace’s mouth again and crashed against it, her breath hitching in her throat as the soft lips met her own again.
DAY FOURTEEN
“You’re family’s insane.” That was the right way to describe the Pollock family. Insane. With all the cousins, great aunts and grandparents, Grace had had the best holiday of her life and left the island with a dark tan and a long paragraph in slightly smudged French on her back. Juliet just grinned at Grace, their hands laced as they stepped into the queue for security in the airport.
“And that’s why you love me.” Juliet replied grinning.
Author: Lady Macbeth
Story: Butterfly Effect
Character: Grace/Juliet
Challenge: Milk Chocolate #5 [Obligation], Green Tea #15 [Modern]
Extra: Brownie, Cherry [Longest I have ever written]
Word Count: 5,725
Summary: A family holiday with Juliet’s family. Who ever thought that that was a good idea?
DAY ONE
“My family’s crazy.” Grace sighed audibly; looking over her steamy cup of coffee and fixing an iron stare on her lover.
“You may have mentioned that once or twice already.” Juliet just continued fidgeting, ripping at her bagel rather than eating it. Grace quickly reached over and grasped her hand in comfort. “I love you, nothing even your family can change that.” Grace repeated for what seemed like the hundredth time. It did little to sedate the nervous Juliet.
“You don’t understand…” she trailed off, brushing her hair out of her eyes. “I wish you could have met them under normal circumstances like a dinner or something, instead of a two week family holiday.” She sighed in defeat, eyes wandering around the airport again as if her little sister would materialize out of thin air.
They were in the Airport of Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Mallorca was a little island which was favoured as a holiday destination by Germans and Juliet’s parents, who, Juliet explained to Grace, had rented a house in a small historical town about an hour away from Palma for almost two decades running now. Juliet’s sister, Sophia, was due to arrive any second, which was when, for efficiency’s sake, Juliet’s parents were picking them up.
Sophia was bringing her boyfriend, the Swedish Milo, to introduce to the family, which had in turn made her encourage Juliet to bring Grace. Juliet’s brother, Mark, was brining his own wife, Laila, who was six months pregnant. Then there were Juliet’s parents, her grandfather, her aunt and her cousin and her daughter. It was a huge family get together, masked as a holiday. Juliet was worried sick; Grace was reasonably relaxed. She wanted to make a good impression on the family, but she also wasn’t worried; she’s heard tales from Juliet stressing her mother’s kindness and her father’s caring nature.
The journey over had been long. After a seven hour plane trip from Newark to Munich and a two hour ride from Munich to Palma, the lovers were exhausted, livened only briefly by the strong Spanish coffee they had found in the tiny airport.
“Can we run through names one last time?” Grace asked, rubbing her eyes and smiling at Juliet, who returned her smile weakly.
“’kay.” The brunette agreed. “My sister is called Sophia. Her boyfriend speaks broken English and is called Milo. I’ve never met him, but I know he’s a nice guy.” Grace nodded, imagining a towering Swede. She’d already met Sophia when Juliet’s younger sister had come to New York to visit her sister last spring. They’d gotten on very well.
“My brother’s called Mark and his wife, Laila, speaks fluent English and German, so there won’t be any language barrier there. She’s pregnant, though she usually works in Publishing law, i.e. Copyright stuff.” Grace nodded again.
Before Juliet could continue, a shrike rang through the airport that Juliet recognised but which scared the living daylights out of Grace. Grace spun around, only to see a mess of bright colours and thick blond hair embrace Juliet. Behind the hurricane of happiness, which was usually known as Sophia, followed a short, bespectacled young man, who wiped his own blond hair out of his eyes and smiled at Grace awkwardly. “Hello.” She got up and extended a hand to him while the sister’s grinned and laughed in a joyful reunion behind them. “I’m Grace, Juliet’s girlfriend.”
He blushed a deep red and coughed awkwardly, though he extended his own hand too. “I’m Milo.” He muttered in accented English. “Nice to meet you.”
“Grace!” Letting go of Milo’s hand, Grace turned around only to be engulfed in the same powerful embrace that Juliet had been held in second earlier.
“Hello Sophia.” Grace managed in a strangled reply, hugging the over enthusiastic woman back. “It’s good to see you too.”
Sophia released Grace and held her at arm’s length. The sisterly similarities in Juliet and Sophia were often missed by strangers because they had different hair colours and skin tones and heights and builds. Where Juliet was small and thin with pale skin and coppery hair, Sophia was tall and well built with strong muscles from her rowing. She had blond hair but a tanned skin tone, betraying the fact she’s already spent much of the summer in the sun. However, to Grace, these major differences did nothing to hide their blinding similarities; the shape of the face, the way they smiled, their enthusiasm and their contagious happiness.
“I assume you and Milo have met.” Sophia turned to her boyfriend, who looked slightly awkward. She turned back to Grace with a smile. “I warned him that my sister was a lesbian but I don’t think he believed me until now.” She told Grace winking. Then grabbing Juliet’s arm, she dragged her sister next to her. In a few clipped Swedish words she told Milo something before turning back to Juliet.
“This is Milo.” She introduced the small blond man. “He and I are working in Copenhagen together.”
“I know.” Juliet replied, giving the man her signature smile and shaking his hand, though she surveyed him in calculation. “He’d better be good enough for you.” Juliet added, glancing at her sister again. Sophia just grinned.
“He’s perfect.” She told Juliet, flicking some of the blond hair that had escaped the thick braid and grinning. “He can understand us, you know?” She added after a second, during which Juliet eyed him up again.
“I bet he can.” Juliet agreed, smiling at Milo again. “Is she usually like this?” She asked Milo, gesturing to Sophia barely being able to stand still. Milo laughed.
“Not usually.” His English was accented, but good. “Normally she’s worse.” Juliet grinned with him as Sophia playfully pushed him with an exclamation of “You lie!”
They chatted for a bit in a light hearted manner, Grace unusually quite observing the interaction between her lover and her sister. She didn’t like the occasional looks of uncertainty that Milo cast in her direction or her hand entwined with Juliet’s, but she decided to ignore them. There was no evil in them; only curiosity and confusion.
Then Sophia’s phone cut through their chatter with loud, shrill beeps, which announced that Juliet’s parents were waiting at some specific meeting point or another. With their large bags in tow, the small group trotted there, Juliet and Sophia leading the way with animated chatter, reminiscing all the times they’d waited in this airport, followed by Milo and Grace who walked in an awkward silence.
Juliet didn’t have very many pictures of her parents, but the ones she had were unnecessary; Grace recognised Audrey and Ryan Pollock immediately. Both were well into their sixties; though Mrs Pollock was still very fit with the same build as her young daughter, though her hair was a motherly, kind grey with some artificial streaks of colour. Mr Pollock was a plump man with salt and pepper hair and a ready smile. Both parents hugged their daughters before turning to Grace and Milo.
Having already met Milo, they quickly embraced the European and exchanged some German greeting with him, enquiring after his health and family before turning to Grace.
Mrs Pollock stepped forward, grinning. “You must be Grace. I’m Audrey Pollock.” She introduced herself, shaking Grace’s hands enigmatically. “I’ve heard so much about you!” She grinned. “It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
Grace smiled back. “It’s nice to meet you too. Juliet has told me so much about you.” Mrs Pollock’s grin widened in elation.
“All good I hope.” Mr Pollock cut in as his wife released Grace’s hand. He shook it too. “I’m Ryan Pollock.” He introduced himself. “It’s wonderful to meet you too.” Releasing Grace’s hand, Mr Pollock turned to survey the group. “Now, Audrey and I were thinking that you guys should rent your own car and spilt the cost between the four of you because we have one extra car at the house, so three would be enough.”
“Sounds good.” Juliet and Sophia agreed instantly. “I’ll go and deal with it.” Sophia volunteered, extending a hand to Milo as she as Mr Pollock walked towards one of the many rental car desks dotted around the airport. Milo fell into step next to her, leaving Juliet, Grace and Mrs Pollock with all the luggage.
“So, Grace, where do you come from?” Mrs Pollock smiled happily at her daughter and her girlfriend.
“I’m from Portland, Oregon, though I left about four years ago to move to New York.” Grace explained. “I went to University in California though.”
“Oh, where?” Mrs Pollock looked interested.
“Stanford.” Grace admitted. Mrs Pollock nodded in approval.
“We considered Stanford for Juliet for a bit.” She told Grace. Juliet nodded.
“Ma thought it was too far away though. Its more than ten hours from California to Germany. That was too far.”
“How far is it from the East coast?” Grace asked, confused.
“Only six.” Mrs Pollock explained. “See, six hours is a lot better than ten.” Grace nodded. “Anyway, Juliet had her heart set on New York City.”
“Who wouldn’t?” Juliet demanded with a grin.
Grace knew all about her girlfriends deep set and never leaving love of New York City. Grace had watched, hadn’t she, as Juliet attended Columbia for her bachelor’s degree before commuting to Princeton for her law degree? Now that Juliet had graduated from both, the young woman was even considering a master’s in International Relations at Columbia again. “Who wouldn’t?” Grace agreed, flicking the hair out of Juliet’s face with a grin. Mrs Pollock pursed her lips.
“New York is nothing compared to Germany.” She pointed out, making her daughter sigh.
“Ma; were not having this debate.” Juliet told her mother flatly, though there was hint of a teasing grin on her lips. Her mother sighed melodramatically.
“Fine! You just refuse to see the greatness of the Fatherland!” She joked, looking away in a huff.
“Oh, are we having the age old New York City vs. Germany debate?” Sophia joined them again, key to a car dangling. Juliet went to snatch it, but her sister’s reflexes were much faster, holding it away from her teasingly.
“Yes, we are, and gimme that!” Juliet demanded, snatching the key. “I’m driving.” She added as she held it carefully.
“Shotgun!” Grace knew how to handle families, though the surprise on Sophia’s and Milo’s face was priceless.
“Hey! That’s not fair!” Sophia called as Juliet grinned at Grace and picked up one of their bags. They started walking towards the car, a grinning Mrs Pollock and a chuffed Mr Pollock in tow. Arriving at the car, they checked their bags in.
“You can’t sit shotgun.” Sophia pointed out as Grace walked to the passenger door.
“Why not?” Grace demanded with a grin.
“Because Milo doesn’t know the whole shotgun game, and hence it’s unfair to him.”
Grace turned around and smiled at Milo. “Would you deny me sitting in the front seat after almost twelve hours of travelling?” He wouldn’t dream of it; he shook his head almost violently, though he blushed slightly at her almost seductive smile.
“No, don’t worry about me.” He told her, making her smile.
“See?” Juliet called to Sophia, slipping into the car. “Get in. You’re just jealous because my girlfriend knows how to deal with us.”
“Am not.” Sophia muttered, slipping into the car, grumbling under her breath how she never thought she would be sitting in the back while her sister, her sister drove.
Grace turned in her seat to grin at Sophia. “I have two sisters too.” She explained.
“Really?” Sophia looked surprised.
“Yes. My twin sister Lotti and my little sister Maddie; Lotti is an Investment Banker and Maddie is still in college, though she’s planning on becoming a lawyer or a journalist. Maddie’s your age, actually.” Grace added after a second; she and Juliet had worked that out on the plane.
“Oh. She sounds fun.” Sophia replied, grinning happily, though she was staring out of the window into the desert landscape which had always fascinated her with its drab brown and dusty yellow, which somehow still manage to seduce her with its slow, simple beauty of forgetting and surviving the harsh rays of sun.
This is what she loved, what her sister loved, about this place. It was a ruin, forgotten and left to rot, and yet somehow it was too opulent, too royal to rot. A romanticised ruin, which Lethe guarded with her sleepy, lethargic hand, giving the sun and the fatigue of the day more power and the night a dreamier; more lost memory.
* * *
After an hour in the car, the sleepy silence punctuated only by quick remarks on Juliet’s driving and directions to Arta they arrived. The town was like a fortress with an impressive church built up on a hill. An ancient cobbled road lead up to the church, snaking its way around the thick base of the hill. Juliet parked their car on a street though, quickly explaining to Milo and Grace that the entrance to the house was situated on a street which was too narrow to park a car on, and hence they would have to walk the last hundred metres.
Bags were swiftly unloaded and lugged up the slope. Juliet’s parent’s car was already parked on the road, announcing their presence within the house as they approached. A small, green shutter opened to reveal a large and impressive wooden door with a knocker that reminded Grace of the door knocker in a Christmas Carol.
Juliet didn’t have time to let the large knocker hammer against the door as the barking of three small terriers ripped through the silence, announcing their arrival louder than any knocker or doorbell ever would. The barking was abated by some gentle but strict words from Mrs. Pollock as she opened the door, her leg preventing the three excited dogs from attacking the strangers before they managed to enter. Despite its size, only half the front door was opened, and that half, thanks to the small shutter it encompassed, was miniscule.
With a rush and sound wave that Grace was used to thanks to her own large family, Juliet’s brother David and his wife Laila came down the stairs to greet them, followed by Juliet’s lean, athletic cousin Sarah and Juliet’s great aunt on her mother’s side, who betrayed very few signs of aging, and Juliet’s Grandfather, a hearty old man who, Grace was told, firmly believed that Grace and Juliet were just friends. It was hard to remember everyone’s name and face in the rush of introductions, especially with three separate languages floating around Grace’s head, of which English was the only one she understood. She managed though, finding herself following Sarah to her room.
Juliet smiled at Sarah as teenager put down their suitcases. She was tall, wearing shorts and a tank top she looked like her father. There were few Pollock genes in her, but she did have their strong cheek bones and freckles, like Juliet. Juliet vividly remembered as a teenager teaching Sarah to swim in the pool at the bottom of the garden and running over the plaza with her. Now, she was on the swim team and on the track team, running every morning and dazzling everyone with her dives. If only Juliet had seen that skill in the slow six year old…
“I’m so happy to see you!” Sarah was finding it hard to stand still, dancing around the tired couple in an elated happiness that Juliet clearly remembered from the spoilt six year old. “They said you might be coming when they invited me, so immediately I was like, if Juliet’s coming, then so am I!” Her short brown hair was messy as she danced, her freckled face alight with happiness. “And now I get to meet you, Grace! You’re so amazing and I know this even though I have only met you three minutes ago because everyone who likes Juliet’s amazing because she’s amazing!”
“Sarah.” Juliet’s voice wasn’t strict; just a little impatient. Sarah stopped dancing. “I love you very much, but right now I haven’t had enough sleep to deal with your excitement.” Instead of being hurt by that comment, Sarah just grinned.
“I know.” She stated, walking towards the door. “I’m just so happy… I’ll wake you for dinner, shall I?”
“Yes, please.” Juliet smiled happily before the door closed and she collapsed on the bed. The room they’d received was large and light; there were sky lights in the ceiling, allowing light to filter in despite the shuttered windows. “We don’t have AC, so you will learn to love that fan.” Juliet told Grace with a tired smile, gesturing at a small, rickety fan that really didn’t look like it could cool down a whole room.
“I’ll survive.” Grace assured Juliet, lying down on the bed next to her, kicking off her shoes and smiling happily. Juliet returned the smile, though her eyes were rapidly closing; unlike Grace she had not been able to sleep a single second on the long flight to Europe. Grace watched her lover fall asleep, smiling. “Your family really is crazy.” She assured her sleeping companion. “And it makes me love you so much more.” A smile curled on Juliet’s lips.
DAY THREE
There was a routine to the mess of a household, one which Grace worked out. Around nine the sunlight would filter into their room, waking the two women gradually. They would then come down to a table weighed down with an assortment of breakfast delights, from which they would pick their favourites and then go out on the terrace where Juliet’s parents, great aunt (whose name still was elusive to Grace) and grandfather (John) were already eating. Sarah would come up from the pool within minutes, steal half the food on Juliet’s plate while regaling them with the adventures from her run and subsequent swim. Early morning Artá seemed to have more life in it then late night Arta.
Slowly the rest of the family would wake up the diminished breakfast table until David, who always slept the latest, woke up to lunch. By then, most of the family would be down at the pool in various states of undress. Juliet hid in the airy stone house that stood at the edge of the pool, too pale to tan. She would read for hours, until someone coaxed or threw her in the water, depending. Then she would play around like a ten year old with David and Sophia, spraying each other and various other members of the family with their water guns. Grace, on the other hand, spent most of the day sprawled in the sun, tanning, until Juliet was in the water, where she always joined her.
Juliet’s father didn’t tan, like Juliet, though he always fell asleep around the pool, meaning that he sported sunburns everywhere. Juliet’s mother tanned and spent the whole day attempting to do so when she wasn’t being sprayed by her children. Milo, pale as he was, stayed in the pavilion with Juliet, where to two began a precarious friendship, thanks to his high school English and her pitiful attempts at Swedish. Laila and David both tanned and spent the whole day doing so, lying on the edge of the pool when they came too late for chairs.
Some days, though, this routine evaporated and gave way to wonderful, tempting chaos. For example, that Tuesday.
At eight o’clock a loud call through the house woke Juliet and Grace, though they were certain that it wasn’t for them, they made to fall asleep again. That was before a loud pounding on the door interrupted them. Sarah strode in without waiting for permission to do so. “Morning!”
“Are you ever not cheerful?” Grace rubbed her eyes in fatigue as she sat up on her elbows to look at Sarah. Juliet just murmured something and put her head under her pillow.
Sarah grinned at that. “When I have my period I’m moody,” She replied, “But that’s not why I’m up here.”
“Then why in God’s name, are you up here?” Grace asked, making Sarah grin even more, if that was possible.
“The Arta market’s on today.” The teenager supplied, brushing her dark hair out of her eyes with a grin.
“And?” Juliet’s voice was muffled from underneath the pillow, but the annoyed edge didn’t go missing on Sarah and Grace.
“Grace should see it. And it’s fun!” Sarah explained to the pillow.
“It’s still there at noon. No need to wake us this early.” Juliet replied, sticking her head from underneath the pillow.
“At noon it’s hot and uncomfortable and crowded.” Sarah replied. “So, if you go now it will be fun, not annoying.”
“You’re annoying.” Juliet muttered, taking the pillow from her face and glaring at her cousin, though she was preparing to get up.
“I know.” Sarah replied, skipping out of the room. Her work here was done; Juliet and Grace were coming to the market. Now to torture Sophia and Milo…
* * *
“What’s the Arta market?” Grace was slipping into her airy dress as Juliet in the bathroom of the suite was washing the sleep from her eyes.
“Just like a flea market. Do you remember the African market we went to in Harlem?” Grace nodded, though Juliet couldn’t see her she knew the response was positive. “It’s kind of like that, though a lot bigger with stuff local to Mallorca. I got this from there last year.” Grace looked up to find Juliet pointing at one of the leather bracelets she wore during the summer. It was good quality and pretty on her slight wrist. Grace nodded to that.
“They have some good bags and some awesome beach dresses there too, from something like €5 each.” Sophia explained, walking into their room without knocking. She walked over to the small, old fashioned make up table where Grace was sitting, touching up her makeup and picked up some of the assortment of necklaces. Picking out her favourite she held it up. “Can I borrow this?” She asked.
“It’s Grace’s.” Juliet replied, sticking her head out of the bathroom to look at it. Grace turned to inspect it and then shrugged.
“You can borrow it.” She told Sophia who smiled, pleased, and donned the necklace over a long blue dress she was wearing. “I like your dress.” She added, looking back in the mirror to perfect the eyeliner.
“Thanks.” Sophia replied, grinning. “I got it at this amazing market in the Virgin Islands two years ago for like 10 bucks.”
“You’re Popop’s granddaughter, if nothing else, Soph.” Juliet told her sister, grinning as she emerged from the bathroom and looked from something to wear on the floor (where she kept all her clothes, clean and dirty). Popop was what the three children called their grandfather, who could afford to live in the retirement home he lived in because he was such a bargain hunter. He reminded them of that all the time.
“And I’m proud of that!” Sophia told Juliet, walking out of their room to return to Milo. As if on second thought, she returned second later. “And by the way, you shop at Lohmans. That makes you as bad!” She told Juliet with a smirk, ducking out of the room quickly, avoiding the pillow that had been aimed at her head and allowing that to hit the empty door instead.
Grace couldn’t help but laugh at the ‘sisterly affection’ which was only too familiar to her. “What are you laughing at?!” Juliet demanded in faux anger, nudging Grace to the side so they could both share the small stool to adjust their makeup.
“Nothing.” Grace grinned at Juliet’s reflection in the mirror.
“I warned you that my family was crazy. But did you listen?” Juliet shook her head, making Grace chuckle.
“I always listen to you.” Grace assured Juliet, kissing her on the cheek lightly.
“Sure you do.” Juliet mocked, messing up her makeup.
“Here, let me do that.” Grace took the eyeliner from Juliet and carefully drew it on while Juliet sat there, barely breathing, eyes fluttering at Grace’s slight touch. Grace finished, eyeing her work critically before kissing Juliet lightly. “All done.” She whispered against her lover’s cheek.
Juliet’s eyes opened and her mouth quickly found Grace’s again, kissing it tenderly. “I love you.” She whispered, brushing Grace’s hair out of her eyes and tracing her hands over the beautifully tanned skin.
“I know.” Grace replied, smiling. Leaning closer to whisper against Juliet’s lips, she carefully licked her own lips. “I love you too.”
Their tender moment was interrupted by Sarah, who strode into the room. “We’re leaving now.” She told the two women, ignoring their intimate position.
“Oh.” Juliet replied, shooting her cousin a glare. “Have you ever heard of knocking, Sarah?”
“I read about it once.” Sarah admitted, grinning. “I like your make up, Juliet.” She added before leaving the room again. Grace smiled triumphantly.
“I like it too.” Juliet told the fleeing figure of Sarah before she accepted Grace’s outstretched hand and they went downstairs together.
* * *
The Arta market was really everything that Sarah had promised it to be. A collection of colours, smells and sounds that seemed to surround Grace in a dream like haze, she watched the brutal sun climb over the house, setting deep browns and maroon red’s alight in the chill of the morning and making the smells of pastries and croissants thick in the air, mixed with the savoury smells of frying chickens and fat smeared pizzas. The thick linens and the soft silk dresses, the light cotton dyed in outrageous colours that complimented Grace’s skin and sung to her from their bargain prices made her laugh, though she never let go of Juliet’s hand.
“My grandfather must think us the best of best friends.” Juliet whispered in Grace’s ear as they approached the market. Juliet’s breath tickled Grace’s throat as she turned around to look behind them, where Popop Pollock looked around, ambling through the streets with his son in search of bargain goods to spoil Sarah with. Sarah, dancing on ahead of them like a six year old, searched with the same piercing eyes for marvellous treats which her grandfather would no doubt buy her.
“Let him think what he wants.” Juliet added after a second, the morning air making her giddy and brave. “I don’t care anymore.” Grace just smiled.
They bought presents at the market; a thick bracelet for Lisa, cactus for Joey (“It’ll survive the plan journey; all of Soph’s did” Juliet assured Grace), a dress for Amy and a colourful blue leather bracelet for Lucy. Grace selected exotic ear-rings and matching necklaces for Lotti and Maddie, buying her mother a handy cloth bag and her father a dream catcher to hang over his bed (he still believed in superstitions like that).
They left when the sun was too high to make the heat bearable, though before they left Juliet purchased some henna, triumphantly winning it off an old woman for nearly half her asking price with skilful bargain, even if it was done in French (“It’s the only foreign language I know!” “Except for German.” “That’s not really foreign anymore. Anyway, the woman spoke more French than German.” “And more Spanish than either.”).
“What are you going to do with Henna?” Grace had every right to be suspicious.
“Draw on your back.” See?
“Why?” Grace asked.
“Why with Henna or why draw on your back?”
“Both.”
“Henna smells really nice and it will fade within two weeks, especially this natural Henna. And your back is the nicest canvas in the world.”
“That’s a compliment I never thought I’d hear.” Grace grinned.
“I’m glad I’m the first to say it.” Juliet replied, leading Grace through the allies that cursed this historic little town until they reached the villa they resided in, though its façade looked identical to the small houses that surrounded it.
Grace and Juliet were the last to return; everyone else had made themselves comfortable down at the pool except for Popop Pollock, who had gone to have a nap. Leaving their purchases in their room they joined everyone and tanned/read the day away.
DAY SIX
Friday was market day in Calla Rajada, some hour away in the car. Calla Rajada was notably bigger than Arta and the market there was much better, especially its food section, which explained why the culinary Mr Pollock was desperate to go. Everyone but Grace, Juliet and Sarah accompanied them. Sarah had wanted to, but having caught a bad sunburn the day before was doomed to several days’ worth of pain and slight sickness thanks to dehydration. As she was banned to her bed, aloe vera smeared in a thick layer on her sunburnt shoulders, she couldn’t go the market. And Juliet had no stomach to see the live chickens in the cages killed and de-feathered before her eyes when someone asked for chicken at the butchers.
Grace understood her lover’s reluctance and decided to stay with her, despite Sophia’s promises of “more dresses, more bracelets and a huge selection of cacti!”
They walked down to the pool, the sun’s rays warming their bare skin as they smiled at each other, hands entwined. At last, with all the unknowing relatives gone, Juliet could kiss Grace in the water or while they lay in the sun without fearing the approach of any innocent family member.
At the pool Grace dived in the water, grinning up at Juliet where she stood on the edge. “Come on in!” She coaxed.
Juliet frowned, her toe touching the water, retreating quickly. “It’s cold.” She complained.
“Do you want me to push you in?” That threat was enough; Juliet dived in too, her slim body swallowed by the water almost silently until she came up next to Grace, treading the water to stay above it.
“It’s cold.” Juliet repeated, pushing her hair back from her eyes. Grace just laughed, eyes alight.
“I know.” She replied, swimming towards the shallow steps and sitting down on the highest one, her body basking in the warm sunlight. “It’s warmer up here.” She assured Juliet. Juliet joined her, aware of the heat of the sun on her delicate shoulders. Grace just smiled happily.
“I brought the henna down.” Juliet told Grace after a moment of silence as she stood up and made to reach for her towel. Squinting into the sun Grace looked at her lover.
“Are you still intent on tattooing my back?” She asked, her voice neutral. Juliet nodded, shaking her head to dry her hair, sprinkling little droplets all over Grace.
Grace extended her hand to Juliet then, who took it and hauled her up. “Fine.” She agreed. “It’d better not be something rude.” She added as Juliet led her to the small pavilion and the little day bed, made for sleeping away from the sun.
“Did I ever tell you that my first girlfriend was a tattoo artist?” Juliet replied, making Grace lie on her back and carefully drying the droplets of water off the bronze skin and opening her bikini to make the whole back bare.
“No.” Grace replied, adjusting her hand on her arms and gasping in shook as the first brush stroke of cold henna touched the nape of her neck.
“Really?” Juliet asked, intent on the slow drawings that were springing and circling their way around Grace’s back. “Well, she was a tattoo artist in London.”
“Sounds exciting.” Grace was using all her will power not to hate this mysterious woman that Juliet had loved a decade ago. It was difficult though; she could vividly imagine some faceless, beautiful tattoo artist that coaxed Juliet out of her shell.
“She disappeared one day.” Juliet’s voice was sad. That was what had chased her back into her shell; a woman she had loved had disappeared, and Juliet had been the last to know, years later, what happened to her. Juliet’s hand paused as she remembered the letter and slowly written out apology. She closed her eyes, trying to forget the words and remember where she was. I shouldn’t have done it. That apology had been far worse than any other heart break Juliet had ever felt.
Grace turned around, craning her neck to look at Juliet. Catching her lover’s eye, Juliet attempted to smile, to make the nightmares disappear.
“I can’t change what she did to you, Juliet, but I can repair your broken little heart; I can replace it with my own.” Grace sat up, turning around completely and cupping Juliet’s face in her hand. “I love you, no matter what.” She whispered. “I wouldn’t ever leave you.” Grace kissed the tears away from Juliet’s eyes, saltwater tears which the young woman hadn’t even been aware of, before she kissed her lips, lightly, slowly.
Juliet knew that. She knew Grace loved her; she knew Grace would never leave her. So she returned the gentle touch and caressed her face slowly. “I know you love me.” She replied against breathless lips. “I love you so much too.”
“As you should.” Grace replied, deepening their kiss slowly, rolling over so she was straddling Juliet against the bed. Brushing some of Juliet’s hair from her eyes, Grace smiled down at her. “You’re the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.” She whispered in her lover’s ear, slowly leaving a trail of kisses down her cheekbone.
Juliet chocked on her breath, her body responding to Grace’s light touches and she found Grace’s mouth again and crashed against it, her breath hitching in her throat as the soft lips met her own again.
DAY FOURTEEN
“You’re family’s insane.” That was the right way to describe the Pollock family. Insane. With all the cousins, great aunts and grandparents, Grace had had the best holiday of her life and left the island with a dark tan and a long paragraph in slightly smudged French on her back. Juliet just grinned at Grace, their hands laced as they stepped into the queue for security in the airport.
“And that’s why you love me.” Juliet replied grinning.