13 April 2012
We run down the beach, hand in hand. Laughing, running, laughing.
The water slows our pace, until we eventually fall. A white boat sails towards us. I feel intruded, this has always been our spot, mine and Jeremy's.
The boat comes towards us, I'm slightly worried, the gleaming sailing boat seems to be coming towards us awfully fast. I hear Jeremy's fine wine voice. "Surprise" ,he looks at me, waiting for a reaction.
I'm slightly perplexed, what's the surprise. Then I realise, I look up at the glinting exterior of the sailing boat. There, written in the finest calligraphy, the words 'For Sapphire'.
I throw myself at him. He falls over, splashing in the water, the force of my embrace knocking him off-balance. "Thank you thank you thank you thank you!" I clamour. I start kissing him passionately.
After what felt like an eternity he pulled away "Are we going to get on" he asks, pulling me towards the boat.
I stand at the bow of the sailing boat, leaning against the railings, my arms outstretched I finally understand why that woman did it in Titanic; it's brilliant. The wind whipping my face, looking at the deep blue sea. I feel as if I'm the mistress of the sea.
Jeremy comes up behind me, his breath on my neck and his outstretched arms aligned with mine add to the Titanic effect, but it's better. This story will have a happy ending.
"I love you, Jeremy", I whispered the words, as if im scared too loud a sound may destroy the moment. "I love you, Sapphire", the moment is like a fine wine, to be sipped, and savoured.
He turns me round to look him in the eye. I immediately lean forwards to kiss him, but feel his index finger on my lips. He pushes my head away while shaking his head.
I look at him, he's Jeremy, but he's not my Jeremy. His bright, carefree eyes have suddenly become sad and sunken. His usual impeccable posture has become a baggy slouch.
"What's wrong", I ask him, worriedly. "I...", he cant seem ro finish. I'm very worried now, in all my years of knowing Jeremy, I don't ever remember him being lost for words.
"You... What?", I ask him. "I... I have to... I'm emigrating to Melbourne." I look at him in disbelief, this can't be happening.
"But...", I start. "I'm sorry.", he says, he looks so deflated,"The University of Melbourne have offered me a job teaching economics, I'd be the youngest teacher they have ever employed. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity."
I'm crying now. "But what about us!" I'm shouting now, "Us against the world you said! Together forever you said!", he's seems to be shrinking into the corner, I should be comforting him, not shrieking at him. But I don't care, he's leaving me, he deserves everything he gets.
"Was I a fool to fall in love with you?" I'm quieting now, "Finally, something was going my way. I hoped that once, just this once, it wouldn't be taken from me." I've started whispering. "It won't be", he replies. I open my eyes, confused.
He gets onto one knee, and from his pocket he swipes a small, black casket. He flicks it open to reveal, encased in the finest velvet, a golden ring, holding in its central a glittering sapphire.
"Sapphire Deveruex Horizon", he addresses me with my full name, "Will you do me the honour of accompanying me to Australia and being my lawful wedded wife?"
Jeremy-Part Two • Opuss № I