Still Falling by Bella Costa

fountain.    Leaning down she let her fingers skim the
top of the water.   It was warmer than
expected, perhaps from the heat of the submerged lights.   Four small cherubs were in various poses, all
pouring water from jugs into the basin of the fountain.  

 
    The evening wasn’t quite as bad as it could have
been.   For one, she hadn’t seen Marco
since they had entered the main hall, although Michelle had been very
visible.   While she was missing Jo, Tony
was a delightful companion.   Arnold
Richie and his wife Mavis turned out to be a genuinely lovely couple, probably
because riches had found them late in life and they still maintained their ‘down
to earth’ outlook on life.  
    Lost in thought she traced circles around small bubbles
that drifted over from the centre of the fountain like small gifts from the
cherubs.
    “You used to do that in the rock pools until that big
crab thought you were lunch”.
    Serena inhaled sharply.   God why now?   She didn’t turn;
scared to look at him in case she fell apart.   Flicking the water off her finger tips, she diverted to gaze to the sky,
searching for stars and inner strength.
    “You were lost in thought.   I hope I didn’t frighten you?”
    “No.   No, I just
needed some fresh air.   I’m going back
inside now.”   Serena stood and made to
stride toward the service door.
    “Serena, please wait.   We need to talk.”
    She paused, still unable to look at him.
    “Marco.   There
you are.   You are in high demand darling;
you can grab some fresh air later.” Michelle crooned as she swept gracefully
across the pavement.  
    “Well, hello!   Serena isn’t it?   I suggest you
head back to the baby you’ve cradle snatched before he’s kidnapped by some
other well wishing motherly type.”
    Michelle wove her arm through Marco’s and guided him
away leaving Serena wishing she could just disappear.
    Michelle was really getting on his nerves tonight and
he couldn’t clear Serena’s expression from his mind.   On return to the table he had a first-hand
glimpse of what Michelle had been talking about.   In the middle of the dance floor a tall
blonde with cosmetically enhanced assets was dancing with Serena’s
boyfriend.  
    Being nearly a foot shorter than her, the kids head was
well cushioned on her breast bone with one bejewelled hand making sure it
stayed there.   The kid looked like a ten
year old at Christmas, having just received the perfect present.   Excusing himself from Michelle’s clutches he
strode purposely onto the dance floor.   What he wanted most to do was finish what he had started on the beach
and teach this kid a hard lesson.   Instead he tapped the kid on the shoulder and told him Serena was
outside and needed him, whilst skilfully drawing the blonde away to dance with
her himself.   Serena was going through
enough because of this kid and he wasn’t going to allow the kid to make it
worse.
    Serena was almost at the entrance to the dinner hall
when Tony caught up to her sliding nearly three feet along the polished floor.
    “Are you okay?   Marco said you were outside and needed help.”
    “I’m fine, Just tired.   I’m going to call for a taxi.   Please stay and enjoy the party.”
    “You’ll be waiting hours for a taxi at this time of
night. Let me drive you.”
    “No Tony, you stay here and enjoy yourself.   I’m giving you the rest of the night off.”
    Tony looked oddly at Serena’s face.   “You’re looking a little green.   Go and sit down over there and I’ll get some
water.”
    Serena was about to object when her stomach flipped
it’s self inside out.
    “Actually Tony....... I don’t think I’m going to make
it......where’s the bathroom!”
    They both crashed into the ladies bathroom at the same
time as Mavis was coming out.
    “Well now, you’re not looking good!” Cluttered Mavis
like a mother hen.   “Off you go young man.   The ladies
cloakroom is no place for you.” She said