After leaving the beach, I decided to walk and not just stand waiting for a cab. The burnt remains of a small building caught my attention so I closed in to get a better look. I used the curious moment to get my mind off of my anger, not to investigate. I didn't wonder what happen. The longer I lingered and looked around the more relaxed I felt. I wanted to take pictures because the charred shell still had color as if to say, hey, I’m not dead yet.
As I raised the camera I hear a voice say hello. Peek around the side to see a young woman smiling. She first bid me good night than asked how I was. I returned the replies. She asked, very politely, if there was anything she could help me with. Suddently I was interested in the remains of this shop. Obviously it was destroyed by fire but how?? Cooking? Faulty wiring? Careless smoking? Or perhaps a gas leak???
“No, none of those.” She said. “Revenge. One person mad with another burnt it down one night. No one tried to put out the fire. They let it burn.”
“That’s so sad.”
“You don’t do people wrong then not do them right or wrong will come back on you.”
I think if I asked for more details she would provide them, but I left it at that. I did ask about the small vacant house directly across the street. I’m always house hunting in Long Bay. She informed me the place has been empty for a long time and offered to ask her parents if they know the owner. Cool. We exchanged numbers.
She did call two days later to give me some information. Her mother said bad things happened in the house and bad things happens to whoever stays there. That was good enough to keep me looking elsewhere.
The night ended positive. I was very satisfied after the fussing and ranting I had to do with O’Neil regarding my time. I felt I finally got through to him making it clear what I expected to do on the days I have remaining in Portland.
“Tomorrow is MAJOR for me. Don’t…PLEASE don’t screw that up.”
“I won’t…I won’t. I promise you I will be here at 10:00 in the AM!!!
“If you can’t, call me. Okay?!?!
“Okay, Vi. I won’t have to call you because I will be here.”
The sky was exceptionally beautiful that night. The stars twinkled brightly and the air was empty of humidity. I stood on the verandah listening to music coming from somewhere out there. For the moment I felt confident things were going to finally go my way.
“Vi, do you want to get food?”
“Sure, I could eat a little something.”
“You worry too much.”
“Excuse you??? If I could rely on you I wouldn’t have to worry.”
He takes my hand and says “Vi, I won’t disappoint you.”
Originally Posted by *vi*
