Still Waters

STILL WATERS

She walked into the freezing cold water of the reservoir determined this time she would accomplish her goal before her family or the authorities could intervene. Ironically, ‘third time lucky’ flashed through her thoughts bringing a whisper of a smile to her trembling lips. She shivered involuntarily as she waded into the murky depths of the water; as much from emotion as the cold. The water had reached her chest when she glanced up and saw him standing on the path, silently watching her. There was no mistaking his silhouette and it caused her to come to an abrupt halt.

         “Oh shit, you bastard,” she muttered, knowing her plan was now a complete waste of time. She turned angrily and waded quickly out of the reservoir and onto the path. She stood quivering and dripping, her breathing rapid and erratic. Still, he watched her. She was not frightened of him, just angry. She gave him a long cold stare then turned to walk away.

         She felt so miserable, foolish and was dreading the reaction of her family. The first time she'd sneaked into the reservoir, her family had sussed her out and arrived on the scene demanding she stop being so silly. They'd forced her out of the water and berated her for even contemplating the idea as they dried and warmed her. But, she was silently determined she would carry out her mission. The second time one of the staff had seen her in the water and come after her.

         “Hey, you, missus, what the hell do you think you’re doing? What’s the point doing that? It’s not the answer.” He'd caught up with her and escorted her from the water and back to her family. They'd not been so sympathetic this time.

         What would they say when they saw her in this state yet again? Damn him! She knew he was following her, getting closer; she could hear his feet disturbing the dried leaves and his heavy breathing was clearly audible. She stopped and turned.

         “Go away!” she shouted. “It’s all your fault. I was only doing it for you and now look what’s happened.” Her assault was greeted by silence but his eyes held hers.

         Emerging through a small group of trees she stood before her family as they lazily sprawled on the grass. They took one look at her and their expressions confirmed they knew. Minutes later, a second figure appeared from the trees and stood at her side, ball in mouth, tail wagging furiously.

         She saw the beginnings of smiles on their faces, smiles that rapidly turned to hysterical laughter.

          “I told you to leave his bloody ball in the res, you silly sod,” her husband spluttered through giggles. “We knew the little bugger would fetch it himself eventually.”