Among the Olive Groves Read online

  Grabbing his room key, he snuck out of the apartment. He wove his way around scattered sunloungers and stopped at the edge of the swimming pool. Shedding his clothes until he stood in his swimming trunks, he closed his eyes, breathed deeply and dived in, slicing his way through the cool, crisp water. He loved being in the water. If he could not go surfing, swimming was the next best thing. He wanted to see some of the island, but the lads were not really up for it. All they wanted to do was drink and lie in the sun during the day. It was going to be a tedious week, and he was not sure how much longer his patience would last.

  ~

  Kate sat up and reached for a drink. It was hot on Navagio Beach, a veritable suntrap. The cliffs did a good job of blocking most breezes. She looked out across the shimmering water and realised that she really was in paradise. She was glad she had come to Zakynthos; she had definitely needed a holiday. The Athena situation had not gone away, neither had her unending feelings for Fletch, but at that moment she had no idea how to deal with either. How could she even begin to find out about her past when she had little information to go on? As for Fletch, how could she tell him she loved him, and would do until her dying day, if she did not even know where he was?

  Fleetingly, the old feelings of confusion that she had carried for years reappeared. She knew that until she dealt with them, they would always be there and would always rule her life. Somehow she had to try and find a way forward. She needed a friend; someone who could help and she knew exactly who that friend was.

  Standing, she waded into the sea and cooled herself off, allowing the plan to formulate in her mind. It was time to put a stop to all of this nonsense and get on with her life and, in order to do that, she had to find out about her family. Yes, as soon as she got back to her hotel she would put her plan into action and ensure it succeeded.

  ~

  Angelos felt the age in his bones. His body was stiff and he found it difficult to walk far nowadays. Sitting in the square under the shade of a tree, he sipped a coffee. His doctor told him he should cut back on it, but Angelos ignored the man. He loved the taste too much and would not give it up for anyone. His life had been a long one, fraught and filled with heartache and disappointment. Every day he thought about the past; it was always with him and never left his side. When he woke in the mornings he would remember some snippet from that time, something that brought tears to his eyes. But his mind was beginning to fade; as he aged, things had become muddled. He could cope with his body failing, but not his mind. Some days were clear and if you asked him a question he could have answered it with complete certainty. Other days, he waded through fog, only to be left with random images that cluttered his brain and made no sense at all. There was always one constant and she remained forever. Her face, her touch and her smell were imprinted upon his brain as though she were the very essence of him. She was the one thing he could not forget about, nor would he want to.

  A gust of breeze, that seemed to come from nowhere, passed across him, and it was then that he knew. Something was coming, something that would change his life, what little remained of it, forever. The island was about to give up her secrets.

  ~

  Kate’s mind worked overtime on the drive back to her hotel. When she arrived, she quickly changed and jumped into the pool. Pumping her way through the cool, chlorinated waters, Kate begged her brain to shut down and relax just for a little while. She did not stop until her muscles ached and lungs screamed. Turning onto her back, she gazed up at an almost cloudless blue sky. She could be anywhere in the world, anywhere at all.

  “Are you having fun?”

  Hearing the voice Kate flipped over. Michelle was sitting on a sunlounger.

  “Hi. How’s your day been?” Kate asked, swimming to the pool edge.

  “Oh the usual. You okay? I thought we were going to have to stop you for a minute there. I was exhausted just watching you!”

  Kate laughed. She climbed from the pool and towelled herself down. “I had a few things running round my head and I always find exercise helps my brain sort itself out.”

  “I see. Do you want a drink?”

  ”Yes, please. I’d love some water.” Kate settled herself on one of the sunloungers and stared out across the sea. Michelle went inside, returning a few minutes later. She placed the drink next to her.

  “Holler if you want anything else.”

  “Thanks.” Kate drank deeply. “Actually do you have a few minutes? I’d really like your opinion on something.”

  “Of course,” Michelle said as she sat next to her. “How can I help?”

  Kate was not quite sure how to begin. She mulled it over for a moment before deciding to start at the beginning.

  “My life is a mess, Michelle. I know you are here to work and are probably very busy, but I really need your help. I don’t know who else I can talk to.” She paused long enough to see that she had not scared Michelle away, then continued. “Ten years ago I found out I was adopted. We think that my mother was Greek. I only know her name, Athena. There was mention of a Sarkis family, and Elena Petrakis and the Ionian Islands, but not much else. We think the families may have lived here on Zakynthos, but I have no idea how to find out. I’m so confused. I never knew my real mother and, even though I love my adoptive parents dearly, I feel that part of me is missing. I don’t know who I really am or where I belong.” She stopped to take a sip of water and realised it was the first time she had been honest with herself since finding out about her adoption. “Is there any way you can help? Do you know anyone who can point me in the right direction?”

  Michelle was shocked. She knew Kate had been hiding something, she could always tell, but she had not been expecting this. She had expected to hear about a girl who had run out on her wedding, or about a vicious break-up with her boyfriend, but not an ancestral tragedy. She thought hard for a moment. She could see the girl was hurting; it showed in her eyes. Michelle was at a loss, but if there was anything she could do to help, then she would try.

  “I will do what I can, Kate. You will have to be patient though. This is Greece, things are not always easy or straightforward and the wheels turn slowly, sometimes very slowly. Let me ask around and I will see what I can find out for you.”

  “Thank you, Michelle. I really appreciate it.”

  Michelle patted Kate on the hand and gave her an understanding smile before standing up and walking back inside. Kate took another sip of water before lying back and closing her eyes. It was not long before she drifted off to sleep in the sun, her subconscious weaving an erratic dream of cliffs, crystal seas and a woman resembling her dead mother who was always just out of reach.

  ~

  As the three men walked the strip at Laganas, they passed numerous bars and clubs. Each had loud music that punctured the night with heavy bass-laden sounds. Fletch had spent the day with Shane and Jase draped over sunloungers at the apartment. Fletch had eventually lost himself in a good book, blocking out the drunken laughter coming from his friends. Despite waking with hangovers, Shane and Jase spent the day by the pool with a couple of bottles of beer. They had already picked up and discarded two girls from Birmingham, much to Fletch’s disgust, and the three were now heading into the clubs for a long evening of further drunken madness. Fletch lagged behind as the others talked football. He was debating turning round and heading back to the apartment for a peaceful night or, even better, flying home, but he knew Shane would be furious if he did. So he chose to bite the bullet and pretend he was enjoying himself.

  Jase stopped and turned to playfully punch Fletch on the arm. “Fletch, mate! Come on! Get over it, whatever it is.” He caught Fletch in a playful headlock and ruffled his hair, something Fletch really hated. He pushed Jase away and planted a fake smile on his face.

  “Sorry lads.”

  “What the bloody hell’s up with you anyway?” Shane asked. He was getting fed up with Fletch’s miserable attitude and wished he had not bothered inviting him.

  “
Nothing,” Fletch protested. “Come on; let me buy you lads a beer.” Eager to please, Fletch stepped into the nearest bar.

  “That’s more like it!”

  Four bars and countless pints later, Fletch came out of the bathroom of the latest beach bar to find Shane and Jase sitting in chairs on the veranda. A young blond was running her fingers through Jase’s hair. A young redhead was busy kissing Shane. They really don’t waste any time, do they, Fletch thought.

  “Fletch, mate, sorry we couldn’t find a girl for you,” Jase said drunkenly, running his fingers up and down the blonde girl’s legs.

  “You’re okay, Jase. I’m not bothered.”

  “That’s right. You’re saving yourself for Miss Right, aren’t you?”

  Shane broke away from the redhead and looked across at Jase, shaking his head in warning. They were all very drunk and he could see where this was heading. Jase had always had a problem with Fletch, and he knew that it would not take much for him to wind Fletch up.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Fletch asked.

  “Let’s face it. When was the last time you had a girlfriend, or even shagged someone?” Jase taunted. “Or are you secretly gay? That’s it, you’re gay aren’t you!”

  The two girls sniggered, clearly enjoying the show.

  Shane stood, tipping his girl to the floor, where she landed with a thud and a surprised yelp. He placed himself between Fletch and Jase.

  “Lads. I think you should shut up now.” Shane knew where this was heading.

  “No, it’s okay, Shane. If Jase has something to say let him say it. We’re all grown-ups.”

  “You waited too long, Fletch. She’ll never be yours, you know. Never.”

  “Jase,” Shane warned.

  “Kate moved on years ago. She waited till you had gone Fletch and then found someone else. It didn’t take her long.”

  “You’re wrong, Jase.”

  “Am I?” he sneered. “Maybe you should ask me how I know?”

  Jase pushed the blonde from his lap and now stood face to face with Fletch. Leaning in, he whispered loudly in Fletch’s ear, “It’s a shame you never told Kate how you feel, you missed out. She really is great in bed.”

  Fletch saw red and threw himself at Jase, shoving him away, hard. Jase fell over a chair and landed on the floor with a heavy thump. Shane laid a hand on Fletch’s chest to prevent him from doing anything else and held his other hand, palm out, toward Jase. The two girls ran off not wanting to get involved.

  “Lads. Let’s not have a brawl. We don’t want to get arrested.”

  Fletch stared at his so-called friends. Shane was right. Jase wasn’t worth it. None of it was. Turning on his heels, he fled the bar.

  For the first time in his life, Fletch cried. The tears were for Kate, the woman he had lost and the woman he would never see again. Hearing that Jase had some kind of relationship with her made him feel sick. Why had she done it? What on earth had she been thinking? Everyone in the surf community knew how unreliable and unfaithful Jase was as a boyfriend. He hoped that Kate had been the lucky one and that Jase had treated her well, but it was obvious that he was still up to his old tricks. He really hoped Jase had not hurt Kate. If he had Fletch would not be responsible for his actions.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Zakynthos, Greece, 2002

  Kate and Michelle drove across the island in Michelle’s car, listening to the local English speaking radio station. They were heading to the south of Zakynthos.

  “Are you going to tell me where we are going?” Kate asked, watching the vibrant greens and muted browns of vegetation and olive trees pass by.

  “No. You’ll have to wait. It’s a surprise.”

  Kate groaned, “I hate surprises.”

  “I promise that this will be a good one.”

  “Can we get something to eat soon? I’m starving.”

  “Yes. Soon.”

  It was hours since she had had breakfast, and the sun was directly overhead and the day was hot. Kate wondered what Michelle had up her sleeve. She hoped it was something to do with her mother, but there was no point in pushing her. She suspected Michelle would only tell her when she was ready to do so.

  Pulling up at a restaurant, Michelle parked. They climbed out of the car and walked inside. Tables and chairs were dotted around the large open space, with a bar at one end. Michelle weaved her way through the tables, motioning for Kate to follow, stopping briefly at the bar to order some food. It was then that Kate noticed an elderly man sitting alone at a table. A walking stick was propped against the wall and a cup of coffee rested on the table’s surface.

  Michelle went to him and gently placed a hand on his arm and he greeted her in Greek, his eyes shining. She smiled and responded. Kate watched the animated discussion in fascination. She did not understand a word they were saying, but it seemed as though they knew each other well. Michelle turned in Kate’s direction and beckoned her over. Kate stepped up to the table and nodded to the man.

  “Kate. This is Nikolaos. Nikolaos, this is Kate.”

  The old man regarded her. Shakily he stood and took her face in his hands, studying her carefully. Kate thought it a strange greeting but let the man continue. Suddenly, he slowly spoke in English.

  “I would never have dreamed it possible, and yet here you are. It is true what they say. What the island loses will, in time, return to her.”

  Bemused, Kate just smiled. She had absolutely no idea what Nikolaos was talking about. He released her face and motioned for the two women to sit. Once settled, Michelle ordered some more coffee for Nikolaos, and then allowed the man to speak.

  “I have lived on the island all of my life. I have known many people, some have gone, lost to time, others still remain. I have seen and heard many things, Kate, and most of them would shock you. I understand you are asking about a family called Sarkis and a woman called Elena Petrakis?”

  “Yes.”

  “And you say that your mother was called Athena?”

  “Yes. Do you know them?”

  Nikolaos frowned for a moment. “What you must understand, Kate, is that some things are too painful. Some things can never be discussed.” He closed his eyes for a moment, before remembering where he was and whom he was with. He sighed. “Yes. I knew the Sarkis family. My full name is Nikolaos Makris. My father, Stelios, and Loukas Sarkis were great friends. My sister Maria married Loukas’s son, Angelos. You could say we are family.”

  Kate leaned back and her eyes widened. She had been holding her breath and released it slowly. The Sarkis family did exist. Was Maria her grandmother? If so, did that make Nikolaos her relative too? And what of Elena Petrakis? Her mind whirled with a thousand possibilities.

  “I see you have already begun to try and work it out, Kate. But you will never come up with the right answer yourself. The situation is more complicated than you could ever dream and it is not something I can tell you.” He paused long enough for Kate to think he had said everything he had to offer. But then, Nikolaos suddenly resumed. “There is only one person on this island who could ever tell you what you want to know, but I am not sure they would be willing or able. I am sorry Kate but I cannot help you any further. Thank you for the coffee.” He slowly stood, using the table and stick for support, and carefully walked around the other tables towards the exit. Kate was shocked. It could not end there, it just could not. She had come so close. She ran over to Nikolaos and gently placed her hand on his arm.

  “Please Mr. Makris. I beg you. Help me! I need to know who my family was,” she pleaded with a wavering voice. “I am lost. I am so alone. I don’t know who I am and I need to know. I must know.” She was crying now, sobbing wholeheartedly, unable to stop. Michelle rushed to her side and hugged her tightly.

  Nikolaos pondered for a moment. He knew he should do the right thing, but would he be forgiven for it? He looked at Kate again and saw the hurt and anguish and realised she was right; she had a right to know. “If you go to Exo Hora, you
will find Angelos Sarkis. He lives there with his daughter Sophia and her husband. Treat him gently, though. He has been through so much and his mind is not what it was. It is best not to tell him I told you where to find him. In time you will understand why.”

  Turning, Nikolaos left the restaurant. Kate and Michelle sat back down, and Kate tried to calm herself. Their food arrived and she tried her best to force it down.

  “So, what now?” Michelle asked.

  “I suppose I should go to Exo Hora. Do you know where that is?”

  “Yes. I’ve only been once. It’s up in the mountains. I think you should heed Nikolaos’s warning though, Kate. This island hasn’t always been peaceful and the older generation has been left with many scars that haven’t healed and probably never will. I know you want to find your family, but you need to consider them, too. Take some time to think about this. It’s not just you involved.”

  “I know,” she sighed. Despite being desperate to learn about her family, the last thing she wanted to do was hurt others in the process. She had a difficult choice to make.

  ~

  After his row with Jase, Fletch stormed back to their apartment. Thank god he had his own room and did not have to share with the lads. He spent the night awake, staring at the ceiling, mulling everything over. He knew that it was all his own fault. If he had not argued with Kate and run away to California, they would still have been friends and she would not have ended up in the arms of that womaniser. He was angry with Jase for taking advantage of her, especially after everything she had been through. Had Jase known about her adoption, he wondered? Kate had never liked to share her problems with anyone other than him. And what of Kate? Why had she felt the need to turn to Jase? Had she been that desperate, or had Jase just been a convenient substitute?