Safari Revisited

[photographer]

OOC: This thread is closed for the time being. As the thread develops, we may open it to others .....

IC:

His clients were all aboard the landrover, ready for the trip to the airport. His staff were hard-pressed to hide their excitement at the prospect of going on their vacation and were willing him to leave. He grinned at them - all standing around in front of the lodge to say goodbye to the guests - and nodded, letting them know that he understood their eagerness to get going.

As he drove his last clients of the year to the little airport, he was ambivalent about the coming few weeks. The camp would be deserted but for him. He loved the solitude, his personal quiet time, but sometimes wished that he had someone to share the special secret places he had found in the bush, places that he never revealed to clients.

Entering the airport building, he couldn't help noticing the woman standing by the steps, a couple of suitcases beside her.

"Why the hell wasn't she one of my clients?" he muttered to himself, "I might just have asked her to stay a while. Some people have all the luck. I wonder where she's staying."

He shook his head ruefully, shepherding his charges through the airport and bidding them farewell.

The small aircraft took off with a growling roar, releasing him from responsibility, making him feel free again.

With a light step he headed back to the vehicle, looking forward to his time alone.

Barely aware of the woman still standing at the steps, he strode across the roadway to the landrover, eager to get back to camp.

"Oh! ......... hey! .... You! ..... Excuse me! ............ Yoohoo!!! .......... HEY!!!!!"

He turned to see what all the shouting was about, hand on the door handle ........

 

[chanaud]

Colleen Turner

The man turned his head, slowly. Finally!

“Pardon me, do you speak English?”

With his hand on the door handle, he stared at her blankly.

“Oh Gawd… please let him speak English.” She muttered under her breath. “Do….you… speak…E..N..G…L..I..”

“Yes, I speak English.” He answered, his expression never changing.

“Whew! Finally, I can speak with someone who can understand me.”

As she stepped closer, he saw that the bridge of wet beads had already formed a perfect arc across her forehead. Her cheeks were bright pink from the humidity, and tiny aurburn curls were framing her face, forming a perfect heart.

“Can you tell me how I can reach the United States Embassy? Apparently none of the cab drivers have ever heard of it.”

“Embassy?”

“Yes, the Embassy. I need to get there, quick before they close!”

The urgency in her voice didn’t even faze him. Good god, what does it take to speed these people up? Can’t they see she’s in dire straits here?

“Please I will offer you money. Lots of money. See?”

A fistful of American dollars appeared in his face.

 

[photographer]

Bourke

"Pardon me, do you speak English?"

He looked at her, inwardly amused at her attempts at communication as, muttering to herself, she walked towards him, body language clearly showing that she was seriously pissed off.

Managing, with difficulty, to keep a straight face as she again asked, speaking slowly and distinctly, if he spoke english, he checked her out as she got closer.

The beads of sweat, the pink cheeks and the mess of auburn curls gave her an endearing, if flushed, look.

" ...... ever heard of it"

"Embassy?"

She was waving money in his face, promising more.

"You should have a hat on" he said, reaching back to retrieve his spare from the vehicle.

"Hat? .... Hat!!! .... HAT!!!!! Haven't you heard a word I've said? I need the United States Embassy. NOW!!"

Placing the hat over the abundant curls, he grinned at her.

"You're currently in the middle of Africa, miles away from anywhere, at a deserted airport, surrounded by wilderness and you expect to find your embassy here? Lady, you're crazy. Understand that? C .. R ..A..Z.."

She stamped her foot, face even more flushed, producing interesting movements beneath her shirt.

"Are you going to help ... or are you just going to stand there, grinning inanely and trying to be funny?!"

"Calm down"

"CALM DOWN!!! Calm down, he says .... can't you understand a thing? I NEED the embassy!"

"Look, come back inside where it's cooler and tell me what the problem is. I'll help if I can .."

He took her arm and guided her to the airport building.

"My bags ...."

"They'll be safe. Besides, they stayed there while you were shouting at me didn't they?"

He grinned at her again, thinking how cute she looked in his bush hat. Still too angry to react, she pulled away and stalked into the airport concourse. He watched her hips swaying with considerable interest.

Grabbing a couple of bottles of cold water, he held out a chair for her at one of the tables.

She sat, glowering pinkly at him from beneath the hat brim.

"Now then, first things first. My name is Bourke, I live down the road a bit, and I'll help if I can ..... and I don't want your money. Now, tell me your name and why finding your embassy is so important"

Putting his feet up on a nearby chair, he raised his bottle in salute and leant back, enjoying the whole situation immensely. What a way to begin his 'quiet time' being shouted at by a stunningly gorgeous woman. Things could only get better from here ......

 

[chanaud]

Colleen Turner

This was supposed to be a holiday, dammit! A relaxing one! How in the hell did she end up lost in this godforsaken airport wearing a stupid hat??

Colleen glowered under the hat. She was seething red. The hat provider sat across her, seemed so cool and collective and obviously didn’t understand a word she was saying. He was just sitting there, wearing a smug smile and obviously enjoying the effect of playing dress up.

Breathe, Colleen. Breathe. You’re never going to get out of here if you loose it. This wasn’t home, where every whimsical demand was catered to a snap of a finger. Besides… he was the only breathing soul willing to lend a hand.

“Bourke…My name’s Colleen. Colleen Turner. You see…I’ve lost my passport and my airline ticket back to home. Somehow, I must have boarded the wrong plane and that’s how I got here. And when I left the plane that I shouldn’t have been on in the first place, I left my bag holding my return passage, passport, and my Visa. So if you can direct me to the American Embassy, I would be forever grateful to you. Financially grateful.”

There. Those last words should jump start him and direct her way out of here. Oh wait…

“By the way… where am I?”

 

[photographer]

Lost and alone

"Well, pleased to meet you, Colleen, and may I say how good you you look in a hat!"

He smiled at her, swinging his legs off the chair and turning to face her.

"But will you, for God's sake, stop believing that all problems can be fixed by simply waving money around. Anyway - American dollars don't work too well here."

She pouted, then took a deep breath, ready to let fly verbally again.

"Shush! Let me speak ....... you're too fired up to even think clearly and you're wasting a huge amount of energy by shouting at me at every available opportunity."

Colleen pouted at him again. Bourke had to avert his gaze, thinking just how kissable those lovely lips were.

"Where are you? You're at the Skukuza airport, in the middle of the Kruger National Park. The last plane of the day has left. That's why there's nobody here.

"Now ... as to your lost baggage, we can fix that, but not until tomorrow at the earliest."

Colleen relaxed, her body slumping in the chair in relief. Suddenly, eyes widening, she leaned forward, grabbing at his arm. "Well I am NOT staying in here until tomorrow. Can you take me to an hotel for the night?"

Bourke laughed. "You're not listening to me Colleen. You are in a game reserve. A wild place. Hotels don't exist here. There are a few bush camps dotted around, and some accomodation within the park itself, but at this time of year all places will be fully booked."

"The embassy. I must get to the embassy. Please!"

"And that's another thing. The US Embassy is in Pretoria. About 600 kilometres that way" He lifted his arm pointing vaguely west.

"Oh, hell! What am I going to do? Can you take me there?"

"No. Sorry, I have things to do here."

"Here?" she smiled a dazzling smile, "you live here?"

"Just down the road, about 50 kilometres"

"Well ........ come on .... think about it ....... there's the answer ... I can stay overnight at your house"

He smiled at her, thinking about what a shock she was in for. She didn't seem to have a clue about the distance involved, the fact that she would be travelling in an open landrover through some of the most dangerous animal life on the planet, to stay in what she obviously imagined to be a neat little suburban house.

He grinned, relishing the thought of seeing her reaction when he took her to the lodge.

Colleen relaxed again, happy that she had now, temporarily at least, found transport, shelter and, hopefully a drink and a meal.

He made his mind up. "OK, come on. You can stay with me. Let's go ......."

He was halfway to the door before she realised that he was going. She scrambled to her feet, rushing to catch up.

He grabbed the handles on her cases.

"Bloody hell!! What on earth have you got in here? These damn things weigh half a ton each! When you go on holiday you obviously take the entire contents of your wardrobe!!! The airlines must love you!!! But then - if you're overweight I imagine you just wave some money around and solve the problem!"

Swinging the cases into the back of the landrover, Bourke opened the passenger door and beckoned her.

"Up you get, Colleen. Welcome to Africa! Hold onto your hat!"

Helping her up into the vehicle, he paused. "Where were you heading for, anyway? Before you got diverted into my life, I mean."

 

[photographer]

.

 

[chanaud]

Good God, where was this guy born? It was obvious he didn’t know a thing about women, especially if he thinks any woman can cram her whole wardrobe in just two cases. And why is he so obsessed with this damn hat?

Colleen’s head was spinning. She was still trying to pinpoint her whereabouts. She’s heard of Kruger National Park, and even recalled seeing it on the map. In fact it was one of the highlighted attractions that the traveling agent had listed as a ‘must see’. But her imaginary map drew a blank. And Colleen was still lost. So lost, she didn’t even feel the Land Rover start and purr as they pull forward.

“Where am I going?” She frowned. She really didn’t know nor know how to answer him. “It all started.. about a week ago, I had lost the largest client my firm had contracted. And it was all due to a missed email, by my negligent assistant… Aaaaghhhhhhh!!!”

Her body was being thrown around. A hand searched desperately for a seatbelt.

“Hang on to your hat, pretty lady!”

“Hat? Forget the hat, will you! Where are the seatbelts?”

“Seatbelts?” He laughed. “Why seatbelts are dangerous here. If we roll, you want to be able to roll out of the jeep. A seatbelt will just strap you down and possible crush you. Just hold onto to the handlebars if you must. Some parts can get rough.”

“How far is it to your house?” The humid breeze was whipping through her, choking her.

“Almost 50 kilometers. Don’t worry, parts of the road will be smooth. And try not to keep your mouth open."

Is he telling me to shut up? Ha!

“What does that convert to in miles?” She asked into the warm wind.

 

[photographer]

Back to Camp

"50 kilometres is about 30 miles ..... not too far"

"So ... where are all these wild animals you keep talking about?"

"It's too hot. They are the sensible ones - finding a cool spot and resting during the heat of the day. Early morning and late afternoon, though, and this place comes alive."

"Humph ... believe it when I see it" she muttered, hanging on for dear life as the landrover shook and shuddered along the bumpy dirt road.

He turned off at a small gate, leaping out of the car after checking for dangerous uninvited guests.
Standing by the open gate he shouted over to her "Drive it in Colleen"

"What!? It's a .. stick-shift thing .... I can't do that"
"Can't you drive?"
Yes of course I can ... an automatic .. not one of these"
"Try"

He leant against the gate, waiting, making it very obvious to Colleen that she was on her own.

She slid across and settled behind the wheel. The peaceful calm was shattered by the horrendous sound of gears being forced to mesh without the benefit of clutch.
"Clutch!!!" he yelled, "use the clutch!"

She peered down at the pedals, "which one?"
"On the left. Push it down, slide it into gear and lift your foot off the clutch"
She strained with the heavy clutch, pushed the gear lever forward and removed her foot.
The landrover leapt into life, bouncing forward exuberantly through the gate before stalling, dead.

Bourke was doubled over, laughing, Colleen, with a white-knuckled grip on the wheel, glared at him.

"It's not funny!"
"Oh yes it is. Move over"

She sat, arms crossed, glowering at him as he started the vehicle, and, without even glancing at her, moved smoothly off, smile plastered across his face.

Cresting a rise, he cruised to a halt. Spread out below them was the camp: the main lodge, his house next to it, the guest cottages spread out alongside the river, the trees, the well-kept lawns.

"Oh cool. You live in a village. Which one is yours?"
"All of them"
She looked at him. "All of them?"
"Yup. All of them"
"You own all this?"
"Everything inside the fence, yes. Welcome to my little patch of paradise - Nokuthula."

She sat, uncharacteristically quiet as he pulled up in front of the lodge.

"You must be thirsty, not to mention hot, come on in"
She followed him into the cool interior, looking around in awe.
"Take a seat"

Bringing a large jug of orange juice and a tall glass, he sat opposite her. "Drink"

She drank the juice gratefully, still looking around in wide-eyed amazement.

"Stand up"
She looked at him, lazing back in his chair.
"Pardon me?"
"Please .... stand up"
Confused, she slowly stood, wondering why as he also stood, looking at her, head slightly tilted.

"Turn around"
She did so, feeling silly, waiting.

"Can I turn around now? ........ What is this for? ......... Bourke?"

Turning, she realised that she was alone, and hadn't heard a sound.

"Playing games again. Stupid man!"

She walked to the window, gazing out at the amazing view, lost in her thoughts.

"Here, take these."

She jumped out of her skin at his voice, turning, finding him holding out a neatly folded bundle.

"I'm sure you're not packing suitable clothing amongst the five and a half tons of luggage you brought. These should fit. The little bag has got soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and insect repellant. Use them."

"I have my own!"

"I'm sure you do, and I am also sure that, to me, you would smell extremely alluring and incredibly sexy, but the animals don't like it and will run away at the first whiff of you"

"Animals - is that all you ever think about?"

"I'll be going out at about 5:30, join me if you want to, come and see the animals."

"I'll think about it"

"You do that! I'm not going to open up a guest chalet for one night, so you can have my spare room. Come along ..."

He showed her the room, fetched her luggage and left her to her own devices for the afternoon.

"There's a pool out back if you want to swim. See you later"

 

[chanaud]

Ahh....Paradise

The room was surprisingly clean. A bit too sparse for her taste, but definitely better than a Holiday Inn or a night alone in an airport.

Dropping her bags, Colleen sat on the edge of the bed and bounced. It gave just enough to promise her a good night’s sleep. The very idea stimulated a yawn. It’s been a good long while since she’s had one. Not since she’s landed in Africa, nor the long trek across the world, and not even her last night home, because of the excitement coursing through her mind.

Her eyes blinked tiredly. Colleen knew it would be rude to curl under the covers just yet. Then she remembered Bourke mentioning a pool. He told her to help herself, didn’t he?

“Yes, I’m sure he did.” Colleen found herself answering aloud. “He even said it was out back.”

Colleen opened her three large cases and dug through her meager supplies. When she finally found her black suit, there were clothes and beauty products strewn across the room. Ignoring the untidiness, she stripped to change.

The pool was found without any assistance. The blue waters were calm and still under the radiating sun. Immediately, Colleen felt the tension lift from her shoulders. She looked around for any voyeuristic eyes. Finding none, she sighed and stripped out of short black dress. This is certainly a delightful idea. And one she was going to take advantage of.

Dipping her toe cautiously, Colleen found the water surprisingly cool. She dove in the rest of the way and swam across the pool until she reached the other end. Coming up for air, she finally broke out into a wide smile.

Looking around again, she felt the quietness eerie. She can’t remember a time ever in her life that she’s heard silence. It felt like paradise. She was alone in paradise. That was exactly what she had needed. Not this wild tour across this wild continent like the travel agent had suggested. She needed peace to find herself. And to sort out her future.

Floating on her back, her face faced the radiating sun boldly. Its powerful rays were slowly burning the troubles from her mind...

 

[photographer]

Bourke brought the game-viewing vehicle around to the front of the lodge, loading up the cooler box, and selecting a couple of cameras.

On impulse, he had taken the big Canon digital, intending to let Colleen use it if she decided to join him.

He looked over to the house, but the was no sign of his guest. Disappointed, he climbed aboard, starting the engine and slowly moving off.

"Wait!!!! Wait up. Bourke .... I'm coming"

Colleen came towards the vehicle, a bit self-concious in the 'bush-uniform'.

He waited for her at the passenger side to help her up into the high vehicle. As she stepped up, leaning forward for balance, the fabric stretched across her trim backside.

"Nice buns"
She swung around to face him.
"What did you say!?" obviously annoyed.
"Ummm. Nice sun. You know ... for photographs..."
"Yeah ... sure you did" she muttered.

He was sure she wiggled her butt from side to side as she got into the landrover. "Nah", he thought, "she's not the type."

He glanced across as he put the car into motion again, but, as usual, her face was expressionless, but he couldn't help noticing how well she filled the shirt.

Arriving at the gate, he was standing by it, grinning, before she had time to react.

"No! Oh no. I will not do that again!"

"You can. But this time, give it a bit of gas as you slowly lift your foot on the clutch. When you want to stop, push the clutch down again and use your right foot on the brake, take it out of gear and wait for me. Easy."

"Easy! Damn you, Bourke!"

She did it, though, and with a determined look of fear and anger, drove smoothly through the gate.

By the time he joined her, she was back in the passenger seat, looking extremely smug.

They trundled slowly down the road, the bush too thick to see anything. Bourke cocked his head to one side, listening, concentrating, slowing the vehicle to come to a halt in the middle of the road.

He leant across, hand lightly gripping her shoulder, his mouth close to her ear. "Sit very still, don't move, don't talk" He mentally applauded her as he noticed that she had no perfume on, and did as she was told, for once not answering back.

Suddenly, as silent as a ghost, a massive elephant appeared from the bush, closely followed by a tiny calf. The huge animal turned to face the car, ears flapping, trunk raised to collect their scent.

"Not a sound" he murmured again, not the slightest movement."

Advancing towards them, the elephant again brought the huge ears forward, her trunk high, moving steadily closer. Bourke selected reverse gear, tensely waiting. The baby, trotting to keep up, tried hard to emulate the mother, but could only do one thing at a time. The tiny trunk would elevate, but as the little ears moved forward, the trunk dropped, as the trunk raised, the ears folded back. It was a 'Disney' moment.

The female stopped right in front of them, extending her trunk. She was so close that they could her breathing. A loud tangible, rumbling sound rent the air as the elephant turned away and began stripping vegetation from the trees.
Bourke relaxed.

"OK. She's accepted us. Stand up, slowly, and look around you"
She looked at him as if he was mad, but at his nod of encouragement, slowly stood.

"Stand on the seat"

"Oh my!" she gasped, looking around her. They were surrounded by the entire herd.

"Can you feel the vibrations?"
"Mmmm, what is it?"

"The elephants communicating. When the female came upon us it was totally silent, the herd waiting to hear from her. Once she decided to accept us, she let them know, and now they're all having a chat. Probably talking about us!"

She looked around in total amazement.

One of the youngsters, braver than the rest, ambled past, trunk swaying to one side, almost touching Colleen. A dark brown eye, full of intelligence and the wisdom of the ages, looking up at her.

Bourke glanced up at her to be greeted by a huge, wide smile. Lifting the camera he snapped off a shot, capturing her in semi-profile against a back-drop of wild elephants.

"This is fantastic! Awesome. Beautiful. Amazing"
"Yep. All of that, and more. They're incredible animals"

Within minutes the herd had melted away into the bush.
Bourke looked at her as she returned to her seat. Gazing at her.

"What?"
"That's the first smile since I met you. And well worth the wait!"

She looked momentarily embarassed, then turned back, smiling.

"Thank you for that ..... that ..... experience. It was beyond words ...."
"Good"
"What ... good?"
"Right response. You felt something. Something you cannot express in words, something that fed your soul, something you will always remember, and hope to feel again"
"How did you know?"
"I can see it. You've just been bitten by the Africa bug!!!" he laughed "and you're infected for life!!"

 

[photographer]

Loss of Partner!

It looks as if my writing partner has departed the thread. I haven't heard from her for some time now.

If any lady out there in Lit Land would like to come and join in, please contact me with PM and let's carry on with the thread.