Page 111 of The Time of My Afterlife

They were like two lovesick teenagers once we got inside his cottage. Clark and I made cups of tea while Pearl and Mr Beaver danced in his living room. It was such a sweet sight. Seeing Mr Beaver smile for the first time was quite a spectacle. As he held Pearl in his arms for the first time in fifty-three years, a genuine smile swept across his long face. It was like someone opening the shutters of an old, dilapidated house that had been locked up for years, letting the light pour through the windows.

What made me get tearful was when Pearl showed Mr Beaver her necklace with the musical charm which he’d bought her all those years ago. He pointed to his brooch, and she had a little cry.

Mr Beaver admitted he’d been inside his cottage the whole time but he didn’t want Pearl to see him as an old man. He’d listened to us knock and prayed we’d go away. That time we came, and Pearl didn’t want to see him, he had thought it was because of his age. Pearl asked him what made him change his mind and he said that he would regret not seeing her for the rest of his life.

We had a cup of tea, and then Pearl and Mr Beaver swapped addresses and contact details. He doesn’t have Wi-Fi in his cottage, but he did say he enjoys going down into the town and using the computers in the library.

When we left, Mr Beaver hugged Clark. It was quite a sight. He thanked him for coming to see him that time when he was in hospital and he also said that he was a great friend and neighbour to Pearl.

We’re back in the cul-de-sac now. Pearl and Clark just had an emotional goodbye.

This is the last time we will see her. I rubbed Clark’s shoulder as he hugged Pearl.

The blue sky outside has been replaced with dark, sinister grey clouds and a nasty wind, which is making the trees violently shake their branches. It fills me with horror. Clark has drawn the curtains so we can’t torture ourselves with what is to come. He has proposed we lie in his bed, cuddled up together as our final moment approaches. I love this and knowing his strong body will be wrapped around me has made me feel less anxious.

I am in desperate need of a shower as I am hot and sweaty from the day in Pixie Cove. Clark wants to go home and freshen up. ‘I can’t die not looking my best,’ he says, making me laugh and lightening the mood.

‘Shall I come over to you when I’m ready?’

He smiles and pulls me close. ‘What are you going to wear for our last evening together?’

I arch an eyebrow. ‘Depends on what you had in mind. I mean, we have a few hours until midnight.’

He brushes his hands over my hips. ‘I was thinking of getting to really know you.’

‘Oh, I see,’ I whisper, before kissing him.

‘I’ve been looking forward to tonight all day,’ he murmurs as he lightly brushes his hand against my chest. ‘I have been counting down the hours.’

I smile. ‘Let’s get changed. I’m excited too.’

He grins. ‘Don’t be long.’

As I get out of the shower, I can hear rain hammering on my roof and against my bathroom window. Opening the window a little, I can see that it’s like a monsoon out there. A flash of lightning makes me yelp and close the window.

For a few seconds, I survey my bathroom. This is the last time I shall stand on my pink bathmat, look at myself in the mirror, wrap my hair in a towel and scowl at the little patch of damp on my ceiling. I never did get that sorted. If Dad were still here, he would have come over and fixed it for me. I think I’ve been waiting for him to come back to us.

After saying goodbye to my little bathroom and wishing it well with whoever buys my house once I’m gone, I walk into my bedroom.

A clap of thunder makes me jump.

I chose not to go to the café and say goodbye. It would have made me cry. I know Steve will help Mum deal with selling it if she wants to and she might keep Laura on. I am glad the floor upstairs is almost finished at least.

On my phone, I check the weather app, and the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning with risk of flash flooding.

I need to blow-dry my hair, put my makeup on and sort out what to wear. I sense it will be a few hours of passion, so nice, matching underwear will be key.

It takes me longer than I expected to dry my hair, put in curlers so my locks have a gentle wave, apply body cream, pick out some underwear and a tracksuit, and put on some makeup. I also have to say a sad farewell to my shoe collection, my handbags, and the new wide-legged jeans I bought and never got a chance to wear.

Once dressed and styled I head downstairs and run my fingertips over my bookshelves. I sigh at the pile of new books waiting to be read and reviewed. Taking out my phone, I message Ruth to thank her for being an amazing friend.

Her reply makes me smile.

Are you and Clark eloping?

I message Mum to tell her that I love her and that I think Steve is a nice guy. I am about to press send when I think about what would make Mum happy. I amend my text.

You should start dating him – you make a lovely couple x