Page 101 of Closer than Ever

“And you were going to tell me about your trip.”

“Oh yeah.”

Anna felt her forehead furrow. Hayley just wasn’t on the same page.

“I’ve booked the ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam on July fifteenth.” Hayley paused, tentatively. “Which means I will be leaving in a week.”

“Uh-huh.”

Hayley eyed her carefully. “Anna. You know how I feel about leaving. I’m so conflicted. Part of me doesn’t want to go but another part of me is super excited.”

“Hayley. You’re going. There’s never been any doubt about that. It’s fine.”

The atmosphere dimmed somewhat after that. Hayley told her about the plans she’d made, and Anna did her best to be supportive all the while feeling this heavy sadness expand in her chest.

Seventeen

Anna headed towards the car park. It was a lovely summer’s evening with not a cloud in the sky. The manicured gardens of the distillery were in full bloom and smelled so fragrant. The distillery grounds looked majestic on nights like this.

Hayley’s campervan was parked next to her car. She was sitting in the driver’s seat with the door open and her leg hanging out the van. Anna’s tummy did somersaults. It was so great to see her.

As soon as she saw Anna she jumped down and ran towards her. “Hey, you.” Hayley kissed her on the lips, briefly. “How was work?”

“Hey. It was good, thanks. What are you doing here?”

“I thought we could go for a picnic? It’s such a nice evening and we’ve got hours of light ahead of us. I brought some food and the camper,” Hayley said, gesturing towards it. “Obviously.”

Anna smiled. Hayley was so sweet. “That would be lovely.”

Leaving her car at work, Anna got in the campervan and they set off towards their favourite loch, which would be perfect on a night like this.

“I kind of feel like I’m kidnapping you. Are you sure this is okay?”

“I’ll let you know how I’m feeling if you try and smuggle me out of the country.”

Hayley laughed, nervously.

Driving through the hills and relatively empty roads to the loch was a bit like being back on the trip. Anna missed the fun and freedom she’d experienced. Normal life had returned far too quickly since being back.

“This is us,” Hayley said, parking up.

“I’m impressed you knew where you were going. Did you check the route beforehand?”

“I did. I’m a changed woman.”

“You are.”

Inside Hayley’s picnic was a selection of cheeses, olives, grapes, oatcakes and little sandwiches. She’d found Anna’s favourite chocolates and had a bottle of white wine in a cooler. Hayley spread the blanket on the sandy shore and carefully arranged it so that it was flat and even. There was something different about her tonight. If Anna didn’t know any better, she’d have to say that Hayley seemed a bit nervous. Anna’s heart went out to her. She cared about her so much.

“Ta-dah!” Hayley swooped her arms open and bowed.

“This is so beautiful, thank you.” Anna sat down and crossed her legs. “It’s very romantic.”

Hayley beamed. “That’s what I wanted.”

They enjoyed the picnic and the gentle breeze and the views over the loch and the picturesque mountains all around them. She really should come here more often on nights like this.

“Anna.” Hayley’s voice was more hesitant than normal. She spoke, not meeting Anna’s eyes. “I’ve noticed you’ve been a bit more distant since we got back. Is everything okay?”

---