Promises Beyond The Veil Of Light ( PT 30 )

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Part Thirty

 

 

 

As Mina approached the door, she noticed a tile on the door reading:

KATE'S ROOM, in large bold letters. Mina knocked and a voice said. “Come in.” Opening the door, straight in front of Mina was the prettiest bed she'd ever seen, it was a pine four poster, with shell design net curtains tied to each post with aqua blue ribbons.

 

Walking in, she'd forgotten all about the book. Mina was mesmerized by the mermaid paintings on each of the four walls, there was one mermaid sat on a rock combing her long wavy corn coloured hair with a Venus hair comb, surrounded by an aqua blue ocean with frothy white lapping waves. Below other mermaids were swimming through an underwater scene with fish of many colours and what looked like an ocean garden, it was all so amazing Mina didn't know where to look next.

 

“Oh! Hi there,” said Kate, looking around from her desk to see Mina. “I'm just finishing off some homework before supper.”

 

“I really love your room,” declared Mina in awe.

 

“Thanks,” replied Kate. “Uncle Nigel painted it, he's really good at art and the ocean is his specialty.”

 

“I've never seen the ocean in real life, only in photos,” replied Mina. “Can't wait for dad to take me to this place called Merlin's Cove, it sounds like a fun place.”

 

Kate shifted position on her chair. “Your dad's right, there's caves that hold many myths and legends, they get flooded at high tide too, so you have to be very careful.”

 

There was the sound of laughter from downstairs. “Mum's back from market. I suppose I'd better leave homework till later. That's the trouble with such a big family, there's always interruptions.” Kate smiled, then proclaimed, “I don't mind though, at least it's an excuse to get out of doing studying, but don't tell mum I said that.” Kate looked directly into Mina's eyes, worried she'd say something.

 

“Of course I won't say a word,” replied Mina, still impressed by the paintings.

 

“Come on, let's go downstairs, dinner will be ready now she's home.” Kate left her books open and put down her pen.

 

The two girls dashed out the door and down the stairs, when Nick shouted, “No running on the stairs, you should know better Kate.”

 

“Sorry dad, just really hungry.” Kate looked over her shoulder at Mina, who bit her bottom lip as she always did when worried she was in trouble. “Come on Mina, I'm starving.” They made their way to the kitchen where Kate immediately sat at her place at the table. Mina stood back unsure of where to sit. “Come on Mina, you sit next to me,” Kate patted the space next to her.

 

“Okay, grubs up,” announced Linda, spooning food onto plates. “You know the drill, everyone wash your hands.”

 

All the kids made a quick dash for the sink, filling a bowl with water and playing with a slippery bar of soap till hands were all clean. It was then a fight to get back to the benches, but finally everyone was settled, happily tucking into chicken stew and dumplings, with carrots and green beans.

 

“This is so tasty,” said Kendrick. “Are the veg from your own plot?”

 

“Afraid not at this time of year,” replied Nick. “We rely on the market for most of our produce now. Campers bring in a healthy income for us in the summer, which means not too much hard digging anymore, but we still grow a few vegetables and fruits in the summer for ourselves.”

 

“The kids love digging and growing summer salad food,” declared Sally. “We normally let them have a small plot each, they sow lettuce, radishes, carrots, spring onions. Kate's into growing tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, aren't you Kate?”

 

Sally's daughter grinned proudly. “Yeah, I've had great success too.” She gazed at Mina chewing a mouthful of food. Swallowing she declared. “You see I talk to them while feeding and watering. They need a lot of attention to grow healthy.” Kate didn't care that the others thought she was strange, especially the younger kids who laughed at her crazy ideas.

 

Mina never laughed, she thought it was exactly what she would do in the same situation. Mina so enjoyed sitting around the table with this huge family. Smiling at Kate she winked in agreement.

 

Kendrick then remembered he was taking Mina to Merlin's Cove. “Nick! Would you tell the story of the legend of Merlin after dinner? You're such a great story teller and I could never create the myth and magic like you do.”

 

“Yeah! Sure, sounds like a great idea. All the animals are in the barn and it's getting late, so we'll sit round the fire before turning in.”

 

Mina couldn't wait, as Linda served up pudding and she ate her apple crumble and custard.

 

“That was so good,” said Nigel taking his last spoonful. “I'm stuffed, but ready for a beer, anyone care to join me?”

 

“Not till you and Chris have done the washing up,” said Linda nodding her head. “You're not getting out of that.”

 

Nigel gazed at Chris. “Come on Bro best do it now, get it out the way.”

 

Amber was half asleep already, feeling full up after the feast, she was now laying on the floor curled up with her comfort blanket.

 

“Bedtime for you cutey,” said Sally, “but first I must run you a bath, you smell like a mud slick.”

 

Amber became adamant she didn't want to go in water and began crying, her cheeks flushed with frustration knowing her mum would get the last word, as she always did. “No bath mummy, don't want to get wet.”

 

“Sorry cutey, but you're gonna have one whether you want it or not.” Sally picked up her struggling daughter and took her upstairs. Amber began screaming and fighting to get free. Nick watched on and decided she needed help, so followed behind. Up the stairs and on the landing he took Amber while Sally ran the water.

 

“You've got to have a bath Amber, otherwise you won't be able to get into your nice clean bed,” stated Nick. This seemed to calm his daughter down as her sobbing turned to smiles as Nick tickled her under the chin. “Now go get undressed and the quicker you bath, the faster you'll get to bed.”

 

Amber struggled out of her father's arms and ran to her room, undressing as she went.

 

“Thanks love,” expressed Sally giving him a kiss on the cheek, relieved to have his help.

 

“No problem, just call me if she plays up again.” Nick made his way down and went to find the Merlin book off one of the shelves. Linda lit some candles around the living room to give an atmosphere as Christine stoked the fire, putting more logs on ready for story time.

It would be a cozy evening indeed! Thought Kendrick.

 

To be continued...