The Island of Love - Chapter Three Part Two

Phillipa watched Marina perspire. Her face was bright red and she was yelling loudly. She hoped she would get through the birth without any trouble. She didn't like to see anyone in pain.

They all got into Demetri's car. Phillipa sat in the front passenger seat, next to Demetri, and Marina and Nicholas sat in the back. It took twenty minutes to get to the hospital.

When they finally arrived, Marina was taken in a wheel chair to the labour room. After some time of waiting, Nicholas came out to see them. "It won't be long now. If you want to wait, I'll come out and tell you the good news. All right?" Demetri and Phillipa nodded in response.

Phillipa couldn't believe how quickly it was all happening. She was glad that it wasn't going to take hours for the sake of her friend. She looked at Demetri. He was sitting near a window, peering out of it. She watched him. He seemed relaxed and happy. He turned his head to look at her, as if sensing she was watching. He approached her and sat next to her. He smiled and he put one arm over her shoulders, pulling her towards his chest. She gave in and fell against him.

"It must be a wonderful feeling to look forward to your child being born. I envy my sister. What about you? Do you like children?" She gazed into his eyes.

"I love them. I want at least three some day." He stroked her hand gently.

"I do too. Yes, three children would satisfy me." She felt safe in his arms. She didn't want to move. They sat close together until they heard footsteps coming their way. Phillipa moved away from Demetri quickly, not wanting Nicholas to see them so close.

"Great news, we have a boy! Eight pounds exactly and Marina is doing fine. You can both go in and see her and the baby now."

Phillipa was excited. She walked into the room and saw Marina holding her new son. She gave her friend a kiss on the cheek and stared at the tiny bundle in her friend's arms.

"He's beautiful Marina. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I haven't any complaints now that he's here. We're going to call him Costas, after my father."

Demetri entered the room. He kissed his sister proudly. "How are you feeling now that your son is here?"

"Oh don't fuss over me. I've never felt more happier than now. Listen Demetri, you must give Phillipa a lift back to the bungalow. She certainly didn't expect to be out this late and to see me in labour."

"Don't worry, I'll take her back now. See you tomorrow. Galinicta." Phillipa said goodnight in Greek too and left the room with Demetri feeling her spirits lift her into happiness.

They drove back in silence. Phillipa didn't have anything to say. She stared out of the window wondering what would happen next. The warm tropical night brought excitement to her heart.

They passed Paphos Harbour. Tourists were still about even at this late hour. The area was filled with many bars and restaurants that lined the pavements.

Being in Cyprus made it hard to push the love away. She knew she was falling deeper into something she couldn't control. If only he would leave her alone. It would help her a lot if he'd ignored her. She wanted him to forget, so her painful heart could heal and not start up the new emotions that were mounting up inside.

Phillipa turned her head to watch Demetri drive. His strong fingers lay tightly around the steering wheel. He concentrated on the road and didn't once turn his head to look at her. His features portrayed a foreign air of arrogance and passion. Phillipa wanted to continue watching, but they were getting nearer to her bungalow and she didn't want him to see that she was studying him. She was feeling romantic and she knew he would thrive on it. She didn't want that to happen. It would be too dangerous and overwhelming to give into his charms. Most of all, she couldn't bear the thought of his family hating her for interfering with his future with Hellena.

The car edged closer to the bungalow. She felt happy that she was here and not in England. She didn't want to go back there anymore. England was a far off place in another world, where unhappiness lay like a bath full of mud waiting to capture you and swallow you up. She hated feelings like that. In Cyprus, she never felt cold or fed up. The warm air and blue seas nourished her like a child being pampered by its mother. The aroma of Greek coffee and the sound of Greek music in the nearby tavernas made her feel at home.

Phillipa wanted to stay in Cyprus forever. If Demetri wasn't engaged to be married, she may have considered staying indefinitely. She tried to imagine being the one he was engaged to, the one he loved. If only it was true.

She shook the thoughts from her mind and tried to regain her senses. It wouldn't look good, if Demetri saw her smiling happily.

The car stopped. They had arrived. "We're here. How about a coffee? I've got Greek Nescafe back at my place. Come and I'll make you some."

He held out his hand for her to take. He guided her along the sand to his bungalow. She wasn't sure if she was doing the right thing. Perhaps, she should run now, whilst having the chance, but she didn't. It was too late for that now. She was caught up in the delights of a new sensation that fluttered her soul.

The golden sands glistening in the darkness, along with the heat, was enough to persuade her. The sound of splashing waves gave Phillipa a sense of tranquillity. She followed Demetri passing the swishing and swaying of the seas.

It felt like heaven, walking on soft sand. A delicious feeling of joy captured her heart.

Demetri opened his door and they entered the bungalow. She felt apprehensive about being there, but for once she let herself relax.

He disappeared to make the coffee and she wandered around the huge sitting room, browsing at the many books that were neatly displayed on a bookshelf. She touched the Cypriot ornaments that were placed on one row of shelf above the books. They looked like Gods and Goddesses.

The coffee arrived and they sat in silence drinking. Sitting on the sofa opposite him, she sensed he was watching her. Moments later, Demetri approached her and sat next to her. She remembered the passion that had taken place there earlier and it, somehow, helped her to realize that she couldn't let anything like that happen again.

She moved slightly and turned to look at him.

"I think I should go now. It's late."

"Why? It's not as if you have to get up early tomorrow. You're on holiday. You should enjoy it. Stay for a while longer. We can talk."

He sat back into the sofa, lazily draping his arms behind her.

"What will we talk about?"

"Well, what about our plans to go out on Saturday? It's Tuesday now and we've got three more days. Unfortunately, I'm going to be very busy for the next few days with work, but I'm sure I'll get time to see you in the evening." She didn't want any of this to happen.

"I don't think so. What will Hellena say? You can't ignore her feelings and pretend it's okay. She's supposed to be your future wife and you're behaving as if she didn't exist. How can you do that?" He laughed.

"I'm not pretending anything and I've told you, I've broken the engagement. We're no longer to be married. Why don't you believe me? We never loved one another. The marriage was purely for business satisfaction and I know now that I can't go through with a marriage like that." He paused putting his hand on her hair and stroked it slowly.

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid. I can't go through this again. It's too much for me. And I don't know you well enough to decide what feelings I have for you. I have just arrived here in Cyprus and I feel as if you're smothering me." She stood and walked to the front door. "I have to go. I need to think before getting into a relationship again. Don't bother to come looking for me anymore, because you'll be wasting your time."

He quickly reached her side and took hold of her arms.

"Why are you talking like this? You know we're suited to one another, so don't deny it. If it's time you want, then I'll give it to you, but after a while I'll come looking for you and that's a promise."

He pulled her towards him and bent to kiss her on the lips. She didn't struggle. She stood helplessly at his command, letting his lips probe hers.

When the kiss ended, he looked deep into her eyes.

"Now you won't forget me. I'll leave you alone until Saturday. That should give you more time to think. Until then, Galinicta my darling." He dropped his hold on her and she walked away, leaving him standing in the doorway.

That night, Phillipa couldn't sleep. She wondered what would happen if she returned to England. She knew she couldn't stay in Cyprus forever. She needed to get her life in order. After all, she had come out here to forget Jake. So far, the atmosphere that surrounded her gave her the strength to put the past behind her.

Her parents had worried, when she'd told them her plans to get away. She'd called them once, just to let them know that she'd arrived safely and told them she was feeling much better now that she was here.

After a restless night, she awoke the next morning with a headache. She felt ill from lack of sleep.

She drank a hot cup of coffee and then changed into her bikini, so she could go for a swim. Swimming in the salty sea refreshed her and she felt more alive when she emerged from the warm blue waves. The sea air was beginning to agree with her. She loved every minute of it. She felt she was returning to herself.

She went back to the bungalow and dressed in white shorts and t-shirt. She decided to visit Marina in hospital. She was anxious to see how her friend was doing. She bought some flowers and a card to congratulate her and hoped she wouldn't bump into Demetri.

Marina was sitting up in bed, drinking tea when she arrived. She looked happy and well.

"Yassoo, Phillipa. I didn't expect to see you so soon. Are you all right?"

"Of course, why shouldn't I be? Anyway, I'm the one that should be asking if you're all right. Don't you agree?"

Phillipa sat down on the chair next to the bed.

"Oh, don't fuss over me. I'm perfectly well. I've only had a child," she paused for a moment to sip her tea. "Have you seen my brother today? I thought he would bring you here."

"No, he didn't bring me here and why should he? He's not my keeper." She felt angry with her friend for bringing his name up.

"I was only asking. I didn't think you'd know the way." She looked at Marina and smiled.

"Don't be silly, Marina. I do know how to get a taxi to the hospital. It's not that hard." They both laughed.

"I'm sorry. I'm being nosy. Just tell me to mind my own business."

"There's nothing to hide. Your brother and I are not getting up to anything. We're not suited to one another. Honestly, I'm telling the truth." Marina sighed.

"Pity. I'd hoped you would get along and maybe fall in love."

Phillipa touched her friend's hand.

"I'm sorry, but things can't always work out the way you want them to. I've had to learn that. Anyway, where's your handsome son? I want to see him."

"They took him away last night, so I could get some sleep. You'll see him soon as he's due for a feed. Ah, here he comes now." She turned to see a nurse pushing a trolley where a small baby lay.

For the next hour Phillipa watched Marina feed and change her baby. Mother hood suited her. She felt sad and lonely, as she knew she had nobody to love her anymore. There wasn't any hope of having a family now. She would probably have to live by herself forever. How dull her life would be without a husband or children.

She shook the thoughts from her mind. She didn't want Marina to see her looking so bleak. It was her day to be happy and Phillipa knew she was being selfish.

"Are you all right? You seem sad." Phillipa smiled.

"I'm fine. Really. You shouldn't worry too much about me."

"Oh, but I do. You're my friend. I have to worry about you. Come, tell me what's bothering you. Is it my brother?"

Phillipa gave Marina a sharp look.

"I've told you. Your brother has nothing to do with me. I was simply thinking about my return to England, which I'm not looking forward to."

"Then you mustn't go back until you feel like it. You can stay at the bungalow for as long as you want."

"Thank you Marina, but I don't think I can stay too long. I have a job to get back to in England. I've only been given a month off, then I must get back to work. Working in a Bank isn't that brilliant, but it pays a decent wage. Anyway, a month should be enough. If I stay too long I might not go back." Marina patted her hand.

"I wish you could stay forever. I love having you here and at least I won't lose touch with the English language." They both laughed and Phillipa felt happier already.

They sat chatting for a while longer and then Phillipa said goodbye, leaving Marina to get some rest. She left the building and went wandering around some shops.

The heat was beginning to get to her. She knew it was nearly time to go back, as some stores were starting to close. She walked further down the road until she saw a taxi. She rushed towards it, not noticing the figure standing by it, until he had turned around.

Their eyes met and she stopped. She knew she would never get away from him. It was simply impossible.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"I've been visiting your sister and having a look around." His hand moved to her face, gently pushing a strand of hair away. She didn't move away from him. She just stood there looking up at him, unable to stop her stampeding heart.

"I see. Well, now that I'm here, perhaps you would like a lift back? I'm going that way. Come. My car is over here."

He touched her arm, guiding her away. She felt helpless at his touch. She knew she had to keep her distance, but she felt hypnotized by him. She didn't know how to walk away until she remembered he was involved with Hellena.

"I think I'll just get a taxi. You're too busy to worry about me."

She stepped away from him. She didn't want to give in and let him control her feelings. She'd been in that situation once before and she didn't want to trust or relive that experience again.

"Nonsense. It's on my way and it's not a problem. Now let me give you a lift."

"No. I can get a taxi. Goodbye Demetri." She walked away quickly, not looking back.

She couldn't handle any more sentimental feelings. It was too much for her. She wanted to run away from them, but she knew she couldn't. She didn't have the energy to get into a relationship. She didn't want another broken heart and be left wounded all over again.

It wasn't long before she felt a hand touch her shoulder.

"Don't be silly, Phillipa. I'll take you back. Please, it's the least I can do. I want to put this awful atmosphere behind us, so we can get on sensibly. We must stop arguing. Can't we call a truce with one another?"

Phillipa looked at him and saw he was being honest. The sound of his voice told her he was trying to clear the air between them. She knew she must make peace.

"Okay. A truce then."

"Right. Then come and I'll take you back."

She followed him to his car and slid into the front passenger seat. The drive didn't take long and eventually she got out of the car. The air outside was humid. She could feel the sun blaring down on her. It had been cooler inside the car, she thought.

"Would you like to come back for a coffee? Please come. I promise I'll behave. We've got to become friends, so why not accept my invitation to coffee. Wouldn't that be a good start to our truce?"

She wasn't sure if she should go, but she knew he was right. How would they ever get on if she continued to decline his offer of kindness. She had to get this over with once and for all. Perhaps, he would leave her alone after this.

"Yes, that would be nice, but I can't stay very long."

"Why? Have you got something arranged for later?"

"No, not really. I just wanted to visit Protaras. Marina has told me how delightful it is there. She said the beaches are beautiful, especially on Fig Tree Bay. Perhaps, we could sit outside in the shade while we drink our coffee. It's a shame to waste such a fine day."

She thought it would be easier to talk to him outside, rather than inside where anything could happen.

"All right. I'll bring the coffee out. Sit under the umbrella and I'll be out in a few minutes. Oh, I'll bring a blanket out for us to sit on."

She did as she was told and waited for him. Finally, he arrived with a blanket and she laid it on the sand. She sat down and wondered what they could talk about. It was hard. She didn't know him very well. She wasn't sure what he liked. She sensed from his tall frame and muscular body that he was probably someone who took up sports as a hobby. He seemed to be toned in all the right places. She felt she wanted to get to know him, but it was difficult when there was Hellena to consider.

Phillipa looked out onto the ocean from where she was sitting. There was nobody on the beach except herself. It was the perfect setting for a tranquil holiday, she thought. The waves slowly swept into the sand, whilst birds leapt into the clear blue sky. It was heaven here, she thought. She slipped off her sandals and stretched out her legs, so she could relax on the blanket. Her legs had tanned to a golden brown, as her skin was prone to tanning easily. She still used a high protection cream, but it didn't matter, as she'd still tan no matter how high it was.

Looking around her she could see a ship in the distance. It sailed further into the ocean. She noticed how there weren't any water sports on this part of the beach and wondered if there was any going on further up. Perhaps, she would ask Demetri, but she didn't want him to think he was obligated into taking her.

Demetri approached her with a tray of coffee and some biscuits. He placed the tray on the blanket and looked at her intently. She smiled and he handed her a cup full of coffee.

"Aren't you feeling hot out here? You know it's the hottest part of the day now. Wouldn't you feel much better inside, where it's cool with the air conditioning on?"

She looked up at him, smiling.

"I'm fine. Really. I don't want to waste a perfectly lovely beach."

She was lying. She had never felt stuffy than she did at that moment. She didn't want to give in. That would be like giving in to his charms. No, she'd stick to being outside. It was much safer to be out here than in his bungalow.

They drank their coffee in silence for a while. She could feel his gaze upon her. She felt unsure of why she was here. What was she accomplishing by being near him again? Wasn't she taking a risk?

"Don't forget I'm taking you sight-seeing on Saturday. I've planned the day for us. We'll set off early, so we can get to Aphrodite before mid-day."

He leaned towards her as he spoke. She could feel his skin touch her leg occasionally.

"Okay, I won't forget. I'll be up bright and early."

She wondered what Hellena would think if she knew Demetri was taking her to Paphos. She was sure Hellena wouldn't like it.

"What does Hellena have to say about you taking me sight-seeing? Does she mind?" Demetri sighed.

"No she doesn't and why would she? She's not my fiancée anymore. I've told you that already. Why do you continue to disbelieve me?" She hadn't thought her question would annoy him.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

She shifted a little on the blanket and moved backwards, so she wouldn't be too near him. She didn't want to look at the expression on his face. She already knew how annoyed he was.

"It doesn't matter. Lets forget it. I don't want to argue about it. Anyway, we should be talking about other things, such as, how do you like it here in Cyprus so far? Is the humid weather too much for you?" He smiled seriously.

"Oh no. It's fine. I love it here. Everything about your country appeals to me." She pulled her legs up and hugged them to her. She didn't want to spark off any desires they may have with one another.

"That's a good sign. I hope you continue to feel that way once we've made our visit to Aphrodite on Saturday." She was aware of his closeness and she knew he was slowly getting nearer to her. Her feelings were beginning to runaway with her. She felt a strange fluttering inside and began to hope he might kiss her.

"I'm sure I'll enjoy every minute of it."

She glanced at her watch and knew it was getting late. If she wanted to get to Portaras she'd have to make a start soon. She couldn't sit here with him and hold in her desire for him.

"Oh, I must go or I'll never get to Protaras."

"Would you like me to take you there? It's no bother."

He watched her closely as she shifted from her sitting position.

"No. I'll be okay on my own. I'm going to get a taxi. I like the thought of getting around on my own. Honestly, I'll be fine."

She rose to her feet and walked onto the sand.

"Well, I'll see you on Saturday Phillipa. Yassoo."

"Yassoo Demetri."

She headed down the beach, knowing he was watching her every move until she entered her door.

To be continued..............