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- Herausgeber: WS
- Kategorie: Abenteuer, Thriller, Horror
- Serie: My Story: She Was Imagined, Found, and Lost
- Sprache: Englisch
In All I Ever Wanted, delve into a stirring narrative that captures the essence of longing and the bittersweet nature of love. This contemporary fiction novel weaves a tale of a protagonist who grapples with the complexities of desire and the painful reality of unfulfilled dreams. From the first page, readers are drawn into a world where hope and heartache intertwine, creating an unforgettable emotional landscape.
The story follows our unnamed hero, a relatable everyman whose life is defined by his unyielding pursuit of a love that seems perpetually just out of reach. Haunted by memories of a relationship that burned brightly yet flickered out too soon, he finds himself adrift in a sea of nostalgia, yearning for the connection he once held dear. Through his eyes, readers experience the intoxicating highs of romance and the crushing lows of loss.
As he navigates the familiar yet challenging terrain of his daily life, he encounters a tapestry of characters—friends, family, and new acquaintances—who each play a role in his journey toward self-discovery. Their stories intertwine with his, illustrating the impact of love and the lessons learned from heartbreak. Each chapter unveils layers of his character, revealing vulnerabilities that resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced the complexities of love.
Amidst the chaos of emotions, the protagonist embarks on a quest for healing and understanding. He grapples with profound questions about what it means to truly love and be loved. Is it possible to find solace in the memories of what once was while opening oneself to the possibilities of the future? The narrative explores these themes with sensitivity and depth, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences with love and loss.
Its a powerful exploration of the human heart, beautifully crafted to evoke empathy and connection. With lyrical prose and vivid imagery, the author invites readers to walk alongside the protagonist as he confronts the ghosts of his past and seeks redemption in the present.
This novel is more than just a story of unrequited love; it is an invitation to embrace the complexities of life and relationships. As the protagonist learns to reconcile his dreams with reality, readers will be left pondering their own desires and the profound impact of love on our lives.
Join him on this heartfelt journey, and discover that sometimes, all we ever wanted is not just to find love, but to understand ourselves in the process.
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Seitenzahl: 299
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024
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Michael Reid
All
I
Ever Wanted
My story:
She was imagined, found, and lost
FABLED
PUBLISHING
PUBLISHED BY FABLED PUBLISHING
FIRST PUBLISHED IN GREAT BRITAIN
BY
FABLED PUBLISHING 2024
All rights reserved. no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. for permission requests, write to the publisher:
Copyright © 2024 Michael Reid. All rights reserved.
Published by Fabled Publishing
ISBN: 9798895879382
Fabled Publishing
“Inspirational narratives, Publishing Legends, One Page at a Time, Cultivating Creativity, Crafting Fabled Legends”
A Unique Independent Publisher based in the UK with a global presence. At Fabled Publishing, we believe that every story deserves to be told with passion, precision, and a touch of mystic magic. Nestled in the heart of the UK, we are an illuminating beacon for authors and readers alike, dedicated to bringing exceptional narratives to life transforming and elevating manuscripts transcending into timeless classics withstanding the test of time.
Every manuscript we touch becomes part of our storied, legendary legacy, forming part of the creative arts becoming Fabled with time.
Our journey is one of creativity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the creative arts. Publishing a variety of Novels, Screenplays, Poetry, and various other creative pieces for aspirational authors right across the globe. Our approach to publishing is unique, utilizing partnerships to deliver the best value with a focus on the Author and the purpose of their work first. Our goal is to continue pushing boundaries, nurturing talent, and publishing stories that resonate with audiences far and wide, from debut novelists to seasoned writers, we are committed to helping our authors achieve their goals, reaching their full potential.
At Fabled Publishing, our steadfast commitment to storytelling extends beyond traditional fiction and creative writing. We recognize the profound impact of journalism in shaping public discourse, informing communities, and uncovering truths. Through our dedicated journalism division, we uphold the principles of accuracy, integrity, and ethical reporting. Harnessing the power of written and spoken words, we strive to hold wrongdoers accountable, uncovering truths. A questioning voice often inspires profound thoughts, swaying hearts, and minds, mobilizing people towards action, sparking lasting change in profound ways. Every success, a truthful testament to the power of a voice.
We deliver exceptional, provoking narratives that will withstand the many tests of time.
Copyright © 2024 Michael Reid
Michael Reid asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.
This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters, and incidents, portrayed in this work are the authors imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.
Contributors
A thank you to everyone involved in bringing All I Ever Wanted into being a reality, a thank you to our amazing designer for designing our brilliant cover, and a thank you to our Editors for their great time and care taken working on this novel, special thanks to our contributing authors for providing real life content to the novel crafting good truthful emotional heart-warming poetry which graciously adds to reader enjoyment and to the novel itself, through adding an additional perspective and way of engaging the story for the incredible journey ahead.
Cover Design
Izhar Haq
Additional Content
Michael Reid – True Connection
Cindy Rosalie – You never knew
Michael Reid – I loved and I lost
Sabine Taasa – I had to let go
Contributions From Other Authors
In collaboration with Mike Reid
Cindy Rosalie – You never knew
Sabine Taasa – I had to let go
Novels
More From The Author
Now You’re Gone
All I Ever Wanted
Crash And Burn
Verses Of Desire: All I Ever Wanted, Now You’re Gone
Making Britain Great Again
Career Life And Personal Development
Clara Romanov I – Truth Will Unfold
Clara Romanov II – Deception Unveiled
Crimelords – Intervention
Praise For
All I Ever Wanted
Clara Claire Knightly
“An existing follow up to the Original adventure with some outsiders joining the journey from the beginning.”
Grace Rachael Emerson
“A well-written Novel with a focus on adventures and how doing things can help bond people together but we must never forget it’s not about what you’re doing its who you’re doing it with.”
Steven Mcdonald
“Seems the initial group of women have become close friends helping each other despite having dated the other women’s men quiet a read that can happen but rarely succeeds quiet like this.”
Jonathan Edwards O’Neil
“I like the unique extra content bits at the end it makes me wonder has this journey happened or did someone dream of it, then a hint to the Authors experiences makes me wonder more is it all true with a nod to real life experiences.”
Caitlin Hart
“Love how the two women who would fight have bonded becoming best friends with their friends coming on a journey of bonding having good adventures to bond over but like how theirs a nod to its not about the money or experiences it is about the person.”
Additional Content
Poetry
Michael Reid – True connection
Cindy Rosalie – You never knew
Michael Reid – I loved and I lost
Sabine Taasa – I had to let go
At the end of this novel, you will find a collection of amazing poems which will help intrigue you and aid reflection on the story you’ve just heard, helping you understand the story from a different perspective while preparing for the other parts of the story that are yet to come.
CHAPTER ONE
First Date
It was a wonderful night, clear skies being a Sunday to the town was quiet not busy like it usually is, not long finished a shift and having plans for the night with Rachell I waited downstairs in the canteen eagerly for her to finish, this would be our second date something casual a more get to know me and get to know you date, my intention was to go a walk have some good chat while leading her to some fancy upmarket cocktail bars not far from our work, with Rachell being not just any girl coming across as a proper women something every man desires. I was keen to impress and show I’m not any guy that I’m mature and principled. Soon the bodies began passing by the doors to get their stuff and leave eagerly and eventually Rachell popped in smiling.
“Hey!” she said smiling enthusiastically.
“That’s me.” she said.
“Great! can’t wait.” I said in reply.
We made our way out onto the street walking down Argyle street, having not held her hand from the first date from wanting to take things slow for her. I asked her about her day and how she had been as it had been a very busy day with little time to chat to each other I listened eagerly, always showing interest in what she said no matter how little it was, as we walked, I slid my hand into hers turning looking at her as we walked smiling and laughing a little.
“What?” She asked curiously now laughing too.
“Nothing.” I laughed.
I was just happy to spend time with her. I had a few stops planned that I knew she’d like, we turned onto Queen street as we approached the fancy Strata Cocktail bar offering a wide variety of fancy cocktails, and wines from around the world I opened the door for her.
“After you.” I said.
She simply smiled she knew she had a gentleman, someone who really cared.
“So, what am I getting you?”
I asked as we approached the bar, I handed her the drinks menu. She took a moment carefully looking over the exquisite selection of drinks the Strata had to offer, deciding on a fancy Rose’ wine, with it I cheekily ordered two White Russians remembering on our first date from playing pool she said she loved White Russians, the Strata made them just right served in a small glass with ice, a hint of Vodka little bit of chocolate tasting like a milkshake garnished with a sprinkle of dark chocolate it was sure to be a delight she was sure too like. We watched as the smartly dressed and good mannered barman poured her wine then beginning to make our cocktails, shaking them gently mixing the milk and vodka together gently pouring over the ice he sat in a small glass, grating over dark chocolate putting a hint of orange vodka in, gently placing the drinks in front of us.
“Thank you.”
I said tipping the bartender with a generous five pound tip. I watched as she took a sip instantly enjoying it.
“That’s lovely.” she said energetically.
We sat in a booth near the window chatting away getting to know one another better, she was always happy smiling and laughing, I tried not to let on but I’d already fallen for her from the first date, sometime after having some good chat I decided to take her someplace else, as we walked again hand in hand I asked her to guess where we were going, she laughed having no clue as to where I was taking her I just smiled back.
“You’ll see, you’ll love it.”
I joked she simply laughed back cheekily.
“Oh, will I.” she said.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure.” I said.
“You seem pretty confident.” she said.
“I know you’ll like it.” I joked back.
“We shall see.” she said cheekily.
Giving me the eyes, I just smiled as we carried on walking. Eventually turning arriving outside Skye, An upmarket bar selling an unbelievable amount of cocktails, upon entering the bar it had a casual atmosphere everyone was really friendly and not too busy which is what you ideally want, instead of old and creaky bar stools and chairs there were booths covered in red velvet fabric with a circular table, bright lights throughout giving the bar a calm relaxed vibe, we approached the bar having a wide selection of brightly lit bottles located behind the bar looking rather decorative. I turn to her. “You like it.” I asked,
“Yeah, it’s great.” she said.
“We’ll get some drinks.” I said.
“Yeah.” she swiftly replied.
Ordering two pitchers she likes deciding to sit and share them both again we got a booth by the window again sitting talking, just talking nothing fancy but I simply loved it, I loved how she’d smile always laugh throw her hair back and make little jokes. I had never felt this way before, it was simply amazing I was happy to just sit and listen to her talk all night. After a good few drinks, I lead her on an adventure to get food being clever as I was and genuinely interested, I remember she said she liked Di Magi, so we walked down again asking her to guess where we were going, she was clever saying.
“I know Royal Italian is down here.”
“Nope.” I cheekily joked.
Making a peculiar face wondering where I was leading her, we turned into a square after a walk through the archway hand in hand I stopped right outside De Maggio’s I looked to her jokingly.
“Know where we’re going yet.”
“I think I have an idea.”
She said laughing, rolling her eyes to the restaurant and a wee point as well, I just smiled. “Yeap, are we going in then.” I said.
We both headed in meet by two Waitresses who were smartly dressed extremely positive and full of energy adding an amazing aromatising vibe to the fine establishment. Authentic Italian music playing soothing diners into a relaxed laid back state of mind, authentic wines from various localities across Italy with black and white marbled décor the ceiling lights being a deep dark blue with reflective strokes of silver, a Lobster tank at the rear in a lightly lit area with circular booths red solid oak tables with mood lighting overhead and a clever drinks tray built into the table, the waitress merely turned the table sliding the drink around the table preventing leaning over disturbing couples, quite a simple touch but adds immensely to the customer experience with a traditional candle burning in the centre of the table. The Waitress introducing herself as Zofia handing over the menus in black leather wallets with crème coloured pages with a solid wooden back and the restaurant’s name in bright gold Latin text on the front a subtle unique and sophisticated touch. The table even had a circular glass rim notably it had small fish in it swimming around the table, perhaps a moment of over-thinking the décor I thought but Rachell was intrigued by the small fish going around the outer rim.
“That’s a different touch!”
She said positively. Watching the fish her attention winding struggling to engage in the conversion until eventually snapping out of it.
“Sorry…just so dazzling their moving around the tank and the lights.”
I nod in agreement briefly. “Are we ordering?” I ask… she nods.
The Waitress seemingly, having heard from a fair respectable distance away walks briskly over taking our order politely, bringing over additional drinks while we wait for the food to be brought out serving us a Manhattan and a French-Martini to bide out time. Before long the order arrived rather swiftly for a busy establishment, lovely garlic mushrooms, Mozzarella cubes served with Calamari as a mixed starter platter with an assortment of lovely dips held in silver containers notably as we dipped the starters in, I realised the containers themselves their shape was diamond shaped creative genius adding to the décor again or a random chance occurrence, I thought.
The main courses were prepared placed on top of heated marble blocks contained inside glass enclosures with diamond shaped metal structures behind the front of the glass with small wooden fires at the rear the waiter surprisingly placing the prepared meals in who smiles.
“When you’re ready let us know and we’ll serve you your food.”
She says politely standing to the side with the other staff observing the room ready to leap into action assisting any customer requirement. Chatting over the entrées the time goes by swiftly with the waiter, serving our food, an authentic Italian classic seven cheese macaroni with a meatball pizza on the side. Rachell having a more traditional Italian meal of spaghetti, and meatballs sprinkled lightly with parsley for decorative effect. After enjoying our main meals, she surprised me by asking.
“Are we doing, something tomorrow?”
“The Circus is in town.” she said cheerfully.
“Sure…circus sounds like a great idea.”
I nodded, Noticing the desserts were being brought over, a three tier dessert was brought over having luxuriously light and fluffy steamed cheesecake at the bottom, a chocolate mousse on the middle with chocolate cake on the top however the waitresses surprised us by pouring chocolate sauce on the top where the sauce slowly ran along a flume of sorts before covering the chocolate cake, where she proceeded to lift a cup at the top to the side revealing a detachable-mug of hot chocolate with light-fluffy home-made Marshmallows lightly sprinkled grated cinnamon the waitress slowly and delicately grating it freshly over the hot-chocolate, before drizzling a love heart on the top resembling the restaurants logo. Rachell was shockingly surprised, Nodding in agreement.
“That’s quite a dessert.” she said.
“I know….” I muffled.
As I took big bites out of the assortment of various desserts having the odd slurp of the hot-chocolate in between big bites.
“It’s been a great night.”
Realising the times almost eleven O’clock, we make our way outside to the pre-booked taxi getting home after an amazing night, looking forward to the next day, I lay in my bed getting a text at 1AM from Jonas reading,
“We’re in country tomorrow, can we join you?”
I text back promptly.
“Of course, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I say in reply.
“Fantastic.”
Jonas says replying positively with a flurry of emojis.
“Will be great having a catch up.”
I swiftly text back.
“Definitely!”
He replies as he still types. One of my few pet hates is typing three or four rapid messages, just wait and send it all in the one I think to myself however there are some things you can’t change.As he eagerly continues sending another five or six messages.
“Soon as I land, and are sorted at the hotel, I’ll let you know.” he says positively.
CHAPTER TWO
The Castle
A castle sits around a moat of water the old drawbridge still functional, solid stone blocks built layer upon layer stacked high reveal, an old castle the walls of the stone are blackened dirty with streaky marks down the side showing their age, yet it sits their surrounded by the woodlands with free ranging deer left to roam as nature intended, the traditional wooden draw bridge sits leaning over the side slightly locked in place however having a modern road going across connecting the castle to the surrounding lands with an arch way any guests will pass though. Inside the castle walls surrounded by a moat the traditional Castle remains mainly a unique photographic opportunity for photographers and influencers seeking the perfect photo, within the grounds green grass grows everywhere being well maintained with a modern Mansion in front of the castle tall and sleek white house style pillars revealing a lavish front balcony area with a large main door oddly circular in shape adding to the surrounding lure of the area with flame lit lamps sitting on either side of the door casually burning slowly the sun lighting up the front of the entire mansion the high-walls of the castles outer walls act as a wind break preventing cold gusts of wind from entering the castle grounds. A figure begins approaching the Castle on foot slowly making their way from the distance into the fray, a well-dressed individual wearing white-tapered denim jeans oddly light-beige coloured Timberland boots, a unique black leather-belt with a half shield logo on the front in pure silver having half-moon shaped crests at the top, a red top wearing a black-blazer styled jacket, lightly brown hair combed down with one side slightly swept upwards a unique half-sleeve tattoo depicting southern British traditional art and a unique tattoo of the British Isles on higher up the opposite arm slowly walking through the large arch-way across the grasslands of the castle grounds walking for a few minutes before arriving at the front of the house finding a group of young men and women partying with music playing, barbeque food being prepared and an assortment of drinks laid out neatly on a selection of BBQ benches and tables.
A tall, averaged build young man with black-hair with tints of blonde smartly dressed with a white half sleeve top and light-greyish denims runs over shouting.
“Reed Michael, you made it long time my friend…”
Speaking with a British yet Swedish style accent.
“Yeah, long time, how’ve you been….
“Been good just doing my influencing and stuff….”
“That’s great to hear.” he replies.
Putting his arms around Reed holding a drink walking Reed inside.
“Come we’ll get a drink and catch up away from the madness.”
Reed laughing briefly. “I thought you created the party.”
“Sometimes it gets too much for the best of us.” Jonas replies.
Grabbing a glass of wine handing it swiftly to Reed walking up inside the mansion, a well-dressed waiter with salt and peppered hair opens the door taking and holding Jonas’s empty glass.
“Another one Alfred…my good friend.”
“As you wish sir.” he says with a subtle English accent.
The duo walking up the stairs slowly, Reed taking his time admiring various pieces of Art on the wall curving up the circular main entrance hall, the flooring a unique deep-reddish coloured laminated flooring with hints of grey in a sort of fractal look being very unique, arriving at the top the walking over to the balcony finding pool lounge chairs directly in the sun with small drinks tables next to them conveniently located and appropriately a mini-bar on wheels. The duo sits down, briefly admiring the scenery with the sun beginning to set in the distance, the shadows creeping in on the trees the darkness contracting the scenery and wildlife around the caste. Jonas turning to Reed the pair finally sitting down.
“Thought you weren’t coming.”
“Had some things to sort out, got here eventually.”
“Better late than never my friend.”
“Whisky…?” Jonas asks.
“Yeah sure….” Reed replies.
Jonas hesitating for a moment putting the whisky glass down picking up a taller glass pouring a whisky slowly a rare Black-cherry flavoured whisky dropping in a measure of Vanilla Cîroc with a small measure of Cointreau before dripping in two circular balls of ice placing a cocktail stick through a strawberry having it sit across the top of the glass.
Reed looks surprised at Jonas.
“Got a name for this one?”
“Spur of the moment.” He replies.
The pair sit briefly slowing sipping their drinks.
”That’s nice.” Reed utters surprised by it.
“Least I’m still good at something.” Jonas laughs.
“Wait…where’s Arlena?”
“She’s away with her friends to Canada…?”
“That why you’re returning to the party life.”
Jonas nods while sipping his drink.
“Not getting any younger almost in my thirties need to still enjoy this lifestyle while I can.”
“You’re so whipped.” Jonas just laughs.
“Same to you is what I’ve heard.”
Reed surprised taken a back.
“Who told you?”
“You forget my friends are friends with your friends and vice-versa, nothing stays secret between the bros.”
Jonas says smirking just a little.
“She nice?
“Here.”
Reed whips out his phone handing it to Jonas, who scrolls through the pictures.
“She’s nice…coming with me and Arlena tomorrow?”
“She back tomorrow?”
“Arriving back tonight, well join us for a date at the zoo, can’t go wrong.”
“Didn’t it go wrong for you.”
Quipping back swiftly, Jonas making an odd face.
“That was so different.”
“How so?”
“We’ll you won’t have two women fighting over you, one of them being a little psychopathic and to make matters worse her talent Manager being an old flame of Walkers.”
“Very well...said.”
“It’ll be fun, we’ll come hang out with you’s on the date, that not a bit much for a second date?”
“Nah we’ll just bump into you’s and go round the place.”
At that a commotion is heard, a woman with long-blonde hair streaks of dark lightly tanned wearing tight fitting white jeans with a half cut orange top on walks past slightly drunk with her girlfriends.
“Oh, Hey Jonas.”
She shouts waiving in passing, Reed sits up confused.
“Wasn’t that…Daniella.”
“Yeah, she’s here too, my friend ending up dating her…all worked out.”
He says laughing a little.
“We’ll surprisingly it did.”
Reed takes a sip of his drink.
“Date ideas getting a bit too dynamic now.”
Jonas grins slightly, then replies.
“It’ll be fine…she won’t even know where we’ve went.” “From what I’ve heard from last time, I’d hope that doesn’t happen again.”
Changing the conversion, a golden retriever called Mali runs into the room barking crazily before settling down and lying on the floor, Jonas dipping his fingers in the drink with Mali licking them Jonas glancing up briefly toward Reed.
“She hates it when I do this?” Jonas says.
“Can’t think why Arlena would object.”
Sarcastically Jonas nods.
“Right, that’s you go on now.”
Clapping the dog on the back, picking up a nearby tennis racket, launching the ball inside the room with Mali in close pursuit chasing after the ball, Jonas swiftly goes inside with Reed bumping into Jonathan.
A broad-shouldered rugby player with blondish hair.
“Yo, Jonas Carlyle’s downs stairs looking for balcony garden.”
“Cheers I’ll ow you one bro.”
“Isn’t Carlyle dating Rachael...?”
“Yeah, him and Rachael are good never have any drama from them.”
The pair swiftly walk through an archway leading onto a balcony with a garden and swimming pool, with a few of the friends sitting around the pool side, Jonas walks along turning to find Reed side stepping around the pool.
“I heard about your friends and their pool antics.”
Jonas just laughs.
“Their fine that’s only happened once...”
At that point Carlyle runs and rugby tackles Jonas into the pool, one of the deck chairs falls in with them the splash from the pair landing in the water soaking Reed. Reed shakes his head looking at his drink now full to the brim with pool water.
“Ugh what a waste.”
he utters removing his jacket, leaving it on a chair.
“I wouldn’t do that if I was you.”
Reed surprised. “Why?”
A screeching scream’s heard as three women crash into Reed, one of them being Daniella pushing him face first into the pool, his nice hair when he emerges from the water covering his face, shaking his face left and right flattening his hair the water falling down his face.
“Walker warned me to stay anywhere, but near the pools!”
He utters slapping his hands off the water unimpressed.
“Not cool guys.”
“Sorry Reed when you come here it’s a tradition you get dunked in the pool.”
Daniella says laughing with her girlfriends as they head off dancing into the party. Jonas grabs Reeds hand pulling him up onto the side of the pool sitting there for a moment briefly.
Jonas laughing. “You will need to initiate someone next time!
“Should have listened to Walker….” Jonas says.
“This planned…”
“Not really someone just does it to someone else at random.
Raising an eyebrow oddly turns to Jonas whose eagerly surprised.
“What…? Walker ever been in the pool?”
"He’s went in on his own accord…"
Waiting a second before continuing further.
“When appropriately dressed for the pool.”
Reluctantly with a light sigh…shakes his head.
”Great… so he’s not been in like this fully clothed.”
“No never.”
“Nobody’s put walker in the pool.”
Jonathan says quickly. “I tried and ended up in the bushes.”
“Really…”
Reed puzzled.
“Isn’t Walker same height as me five feet one.”
“He’s A wee man but he knows some sort of martial-arts karate, judo stuff, I went literally over his back and in the hedges.”
“Ok then.”
Reed sighs, Jonas laughing a little.
“Pick someone easier.”
“I wouldn’t even attempt that! with Walker ever.”
Jonathan says very sternly, Reed clearly surprised that the rugby player seems very anxious about rushing a short skinny Irish man almost double his age.
“Never?”
Reed says wondering thinking deeply for a moment, Jonathan nodding holding his drink points to some hedges.
“I went over my back…”
“Definitely it was those hedges there, ruined my white shirt.”
“Don’t rush a man then.”
Walker says smiling placing his hand on Jonathan’s shoulder with a friendly smile.
“You rush a man, expect the unexpected.”
Walker says calmly smiling at Jonathan.
CHAPTER THREE
Zoo Trip
I and Rachell Ayla G Kimber arrived early to the Zoo finding it subtly quiet for a weekend, the sun just up the area surrounded by trees as we drove along the road to the park entrance getting in early before anyone else. Able to enjoy a more relaxed walk throughout the park, Getting out of the car at the car park Rachell had her light-brown hair braided to a mermaid style with light touches of blonde throughout, a red top on with white denim shorts and black Espadrilles contrasting with the red and white. We slowly walk towards the main park entrance a gravel path with a wooden archway leading into the area passing through the archway, a variety of farm animals are running around minding their own business a unique visitor attraction allowing animals of all types to be petted, theirs clucking chickens, many different peacocks running around with their exotic coloured feathers with a single chest colour notable on the birds some large rabbits in an enclosure easy to lean over and pet should one wish, oddly large pigs are walking around minding their own business mini goats walking around and strangely an ostrich-like bird oddly with a collection of Border Collies with their black and white contrasting fur making the odd few movements around the perimeter of the visitor area keeping the other animals safe and sound. Rachell leaning over petting one of the curious goats and the odd dog who appears jealous over the other animals getting all the attention, Rachell quickly runs across to the rabbit enclosure leaning over petting one of the large rabbits with a light-brownish fur coating with large ears.
“I am certain that’s a Flemish rabbit.”
Rachell surprised laughs.
“How do you know that?”
She chuckles.
“Just know it.” he replies.
We walk further into the Zoo, coming across an enclosure filled with Meercats with Rachell bursting out laughing as the meerkats jump around making the odd gestures at people, walking further in we come across the park’s main attraction a mandatory water-raft that takes visitors down to the other parts of the park. Getting on the small circular boats we set off quickly the raft moving quickly driven purely by the flow of the water there’s no loud engine noises the rafts following a line down the waters. Rachell laughs as spray from the water hits those in the rafts conveniently missing her of course.
“Love it when that happens.”
She laughs, At that moment water floods into the raft soaking Rachell more than any other person.
“Moronic fluke of justice.”
“Injustice…more likely.” Rachell says.
As she bursts into laughter. Passing slowly down the raft Chimp Island comes into few a key attraction large Chimps and a few Gorillas begin dancing around franticly on the Island, pointing over to the rafts those on the rafts throwing fruit and vegetables over to the Island with the animals calming down once the volley of fruit and veg was over with. The rafts drifting onto the main attraction area some distance away so as to not disturb the many animals available in the park. Eventually the raft arrives at the main park the raft slowing down gently bumping against the long wooden dock, I of course take her hand pulling her up and out from the boat walking along the board walk towards the main attractions noticing a collection of small stands selling clothes.
“Of course, theirs clothes shops at the end of water rides.”
“Be a good idea if they closed the font area of the raft off.”
“Wouldn’t make any money if they did that then.”
I say laughing, we buy some fresh t-shirts, a plain white polo shirt for me with the Words “Ether wood Safari.”
Rachell buys a more vibrant one with a mix of colours being a six banded colourful rainbow eventually continuing walking along the boardwalk leading towards conveniently located food and drinks places. An American style café called the “Outback.” with a red and blue sign with a collection of stars, round wooden tables with wooden benches big parasols above shielding Zoo goers from the blazing sun allowing customers of all age groups, to enjoy a meal and drink in the shade. As we approach Jonas and Arlena wave us both over to their table.
Rachell surprised for a brief moment. “Friends of yours.” She says.
“Quite the chance coincidence.” I say.
“Hey Reed, how’s you.”
“Good just out for a date.”
Jonas sitting with a red t-shirt and black shorts and white trainers, Arlena with tight fitting white skinny jeans with a black belt her hair jet black and combed.
“Ahh you’ve done well she’s lovely you keep her otherwise another man will.” Jonas jokes.
Rachell blushing slightly but keeps her composure well.
“Right…we’ll introductions this is Arlena.” I say.
“Heard a lot about you two.”
Rachell says cheekily.
“We’ll as you can see…”
Turning addressing Jonas.
“What you know us for is definitely a past time.”“Drama…life’s too short.”
Rachell quips.
“Let’s get some food ordered then.” Jonas says positively.
After a short wait, double stacked cheeseburgers arrive, two oversized hot dogs loaded with tomato sauce and mustard caramelised onions with fine cuts of crispy bacon sprinkled lightly over the top, the fries served with cheese curd drizzled in a rich-gravy, large over-sized pint glasses arrive, An oddly coloured big Guinness arrives far darker and deeper in colour than the normal Guinness condensation already running down the side of the glass.
“Big Guinness….” Reed says surprised.
“South Africa’s number one beer.”
Jonas taking a sip of the beer.
“That’s nice…very refreshing and strong too!”
“Maybe next time, I’ll get one.”
The ladies getting very acquainted sitting chatting and laughing amongst themselves over cocktails rather than the simplistic bland toilette coloured beers, Reed thinks to himself. Arlena’s drinks served in a Martini glass the liquid is red with fresh strawberry’s been mixed with a raspberry syrup blended to a paste and mixed through the drink a strawberry on the side for garnish with notably pink candy floss hanging down the side of the glass. Rachell’s being a Rainbow paradise a layer of red at the bottom an orange colour followed by yellow and blue the intersecting colours being murky just a little mixing together just a bit but not fully keeping the layers separate with notable chunks of fruit and a slice of orange over the edge of the glass for dramatic effect. Adding a subtle finish to the drink with a mini parasol going through the orange slice sitting dramatically well to finish the drink off. Fancying trying something knew Reed ordering a cocktail having spiral layers of white and dark all the way to the top with a cherry on side of the glass for garnish and slight layer of fresh cream on the top with finely grated chocolate orange shards oddly being named the “Posh Milky Way.”
“Way too hot today isn’t.” Rachell says.
“I know, I’m regretting wearing these jeans out.” Arlena says.
“You know I’ve got a flat nearby; we could finish up the nature walk back to the car get a taxi to the flat…all chill out and have some drinks and stuff.”
Rachell thrilled at the idea of spending more time with Arlena almost right away the pair turning to each other.
“Oh, come with us, it would be a good night.”
Arlena says while Rachell chuckles. “I was saying yes regardless.”
“Come to the bar we’ll get you a big Guinness.”
Reed following Jonas to the bar.
“Not a bad day.”
“Yeah, girls are getting on amazingly well surprisingly.”
“Next thing we needs Daniella.”
Jonas jokes sipping a whisky Reed puzzled.
“Don’t joke…, I heard all the stories from last time let’s not have a repeat…”
