By all accounts, this was a day warmer than any other. The locals noticed it in the air. Even with Jersey's typical summery climate, one could sense a slight shift in temperature. St. Brelade's Bay, was basking in the temporary heat. Cottages were snugly wrapped in by wide thickets of trees, the not so steep incline plateauing out where the sand met the sea. Not nearly ten o' clock yet, and families were already hiding behind windbreaks and laying out towels on the white sands.
Amongst the small, subdued group of beachgoers was a girl with thick blonde hair piled high and tucked into a faded blue bow, the rest sweeping about her shoulders. For her, this was the best day she'd had in years. She'd never been so relaxed. Father was away on business abroad in some hot country, mother occupied with being the famous, self absorbed actress she was in Italy and both older brothers pursuing scholarships in London. It meant freedom! Eloise could get up whenever she wanted, no longer a skivvy running around after her parents - at least for a few months, but she could imagine it being forever.
Because of the De La Fontaine's fame on the island, when she greeted the langoring Fisherman on the seafront, they were open and friendly. These men knew the shy, retiring girl who cooked the most marvellous dinners for the Island's celebrations, and sang so prettily at Sunday service. They weren't so out of the loop as to notice years of her parent's distant neglect, so moved pity aside to be even more protective of the sweet girl. She exchanged a few coins for three stringed up mackerel, Jersey Royals in a paper bag and a bunch of parsley bound up in string.
On the way, she walked in a westerly direction towards the ancient St. Brelade's Church. It was lesser known to holidaymakers, making it even more special. Here was the place to reflect quietly. Eloise tried to make herself scarce, sitting down in the pews most cloaked in darkness. Setting down the items in the empty space to her right, she closed her aquamarine blue eyes, and relaxed in a yellow and white striped shift dress. Her tiny feet in matching white heels stilled slowly, trying to calm her body.
After what seemed like hours, she tipped her head up towards the ceiling. Gazing at the 14th century frescoes was a treat privy to those who were in the know. The beautiful designs stretched across to the walls, making the space glow. A tiny gust of air blew past her cheek earlier, and Eloise didn't pay too much mind to it. Sea breezes often whistled through the church.
Until she saw...him. Now she wondered if he was the fresh wind which had blown inland? A boyish figure, with a slight wave to his hair. Eloise couldn't tell in this light, but intuition told her he had the most sensitive eyes imaginable. "I.." She started feebly, possessing a low, plunging tone and she was thankful for it. This way, she didn't sound too pathetic. Eloise soon stopped, and remembered too late that she had nothing of real importance to say. She did, and she didn't. It was scary, talking to boys. She was useless at it. She was altogether useless. "D-do you like..the fresco? There's nothing else like it on t-the isIand." Yes, talking about Jersey. That was her strong suit, nothing else.
