Foothill District
Locking the doors of his Lexus that he had hastily parked in front of the double garage, Harge could hear the excited voice of Rindy. He smiled. She was probably in the middle of a game of soccer with some of her friends on the lawn at the back. Instead of going into the house to get his forgotten laptop, he decided to make a detour to the rear garden to watch the girls for a moment. Nearing the end of the path that brought him to the back of the house, he suddenly stopped dead in his tracks, holding his breath.
Rindy was there, all right, but playing with her, their shouting as excited as Rindy’s, were Carol and Therese. It was clear that there was a fierce skirmish going on. Carol was trying to keep a makeshift goal made out of sweaters clean, while Rindy and Therese battled for the ball. Surprised, Harge noticed that Carol’s white shirt was covered in grass stains, while her always immaculate hair was a mess. She was totally immersed in the game, shouting at the two struggling girls.
“Oh come on Therese, you can do better than that!”
Therese half missed the ball that in a strange curve flew through the air, aiming straight at Harge.
“Ouch!”
The ball hit Harge right in the face, before he could use his hands to catch it.
Only then did the three players notice they had an audience.
“Daddy!”
Rindy immediately ran up to him, Therese and Carol following her at a slower pace.
“Did Therese hurt you Daddy?”
With a worried look Rindy scanned her father’s face. Harge tried to smile, bringing his hand to his right cheek that was turning red.
“It’s okay, sweetheart.”
Picking up the ball lying at Harge’s feet, Therese, blushing, tried to apologize.
“Sorry for that …”
With narrowed eyes, Harge merely looked at her, not reacting. It was the first time that they were face to face after Therese had visited him at his office to present the photographs she had been shooting. Sensing the growing tension, Carol gently touched Harge’s arm.
“Come, let me get you some ice to cool that.”
Surprised, he looked at her hand on his left arm. He realized she was trying to calm him, understanding his anxiety at seeing her together like this with both Rindy and Therese. Her gesture had an unexpected soothing effect, taking away some of the hurt he felt. He tentatively put his right hand on hers, as if to reassure her that he would not lash out to her or Therese.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”
In the silence that followed Rindy looked intently at her parents, seeing them standing close, their hands touching. Ever since her mother had returned from New York, they had been testy when they were together, easily irritated, always ready to snap. But this was different. She smiled, sensing that some of the old togetherness she felt there still was between her parents for now had returned. She looked at Therese, who silently watched the scene in front of her. Then Rindy pulled on the sleeve of her father’s shirt.
“Daddy, why don’t you help Mummy? She’s already behind with five to zero!”
Harge looked down at his daughter, her pleading eyes and turned to Carol, his face a big question mark. She nodded enthusiastically, seeking his eyes.
“I could sure do with some help… These two bullies are tearing me to pieces …”
He contemplated his light blue dress shirt and formal black shoes, remembered his PA who waited for him at his office. Then he grinned.
“Oh, what the heck!”
Harge grabbed the ball that was still in Therese’s hands and sprinted to the green, a cheering Rindy right behind him.
“Therese and I will beat you too, Daddy!”
What ensued was a happy mess with Carol and Harge bravely teaming up to try to frustrate the overwhelming enthusiasm of Rindy and Therese, both clearly much better players. Though they even managed to score one goal, it was a hopeless task. At a score of ten to one Harge found himself face to face with his Therese, the ball at her left foot, ready to score once again.
“Get her Harge!”, Carol yelled. Panting, she was running after Therese who had easily outplayed her with a few swift moves. But before he could move he felt the ground disappear beneath his feet. With the ease of a professional Rindy managed to block him, her head hitting his chest and he felt himself falling backwards, his daughter right on top of him.
The soft grass felt cool to his heated skin, making his fall less painful. But it wasn’t pain he experienced right now, lying there, his arms tight around the little girl he loved so much. For the first time in months he felt happy, carefree even, not burdened by fear. Somehow he felt part of this little, joyous group. And blinking against the bright sun he briefly allowed himself to think about the possibility of another life, with Rindy, but also with Carol and even Therese.
While he remained lying on the grass, a now tired and contented Rindy still clinging to his chest, Carol and Therese went inside to fetch some cold drinks. Standing in front of the open fridge, Therese turned to Carol.
“That was fun …”
Carol smiled, a loving smile.
“Whatever you may think, Therese, he’s a kind man.”
“I can see that…I already knew.”
Taking out a large bottle of mineral water, Therese closed the door of the fridge.
“You need to talk, you and Harge.”
Carol sighed.
“I know. We will.”
Therese brought her free hand to Carol’s face, caressing her cheek. Carol grabbed her hand, bringing it to her mouth and kissed it.
“I think now is the right time.”
Therese spoke softly, as if to force Carol to really listen to her.
“Rindy needs both of you in her life, but you both need each other as well.”
Carol looked up into the bright green eyes of the young woman she now loved so much.
“You’ll find a way. Trust me.”
Carol closed her eyes, then nodded.
“I do.”