‘Trust me, he’s just a friend,’ she stated adamantly, ‘although I’m not even sure you could call him that.’
‘How come?’
‘I don’t know.’ Olivia sighed. ‘He’s travelling all over the place, and we’ve started emailing a bit, but sometimes I think, what’s the point?’
‘Does there have to be a point?’
‘Obviously, otherwise it’s a waste of time and effort for everyone. We probably won’t ever see each other again.’ The words made her sadder than she expected.
‘So? What if the point is simply getting to know someone? Speaking to another person with a different perspective? Having a connection with someone you like? Not everything always has tobesomething.’
Olivia picked at the corner of her toast. There was undeniable truth in what Tracey had said, even if she wasn’t willing to admit it just yet.
‘Maybe.’
Tracey stood and lifted the tray from Olivia’s lap.
‘How about this: I’ll go and make us another pot of tea while you email yourfriend.’ She gave an overly dramaticwink. ‘And then we can finally make a start on the pack of doughnuts I brought with me. What do you say?’
Olivia reached for her phone, cool from being untouched for so long, and heavy in her hand.
‘Sure …’ She hesitated. ‘Why not? Let’s do it.’
‘That’s my girl!’
Jacob
From:[email protected]
Re:Re:Hello
Wow, sounds like a thrilling time. Do you think he’s miserable because he eats so much chocolate or he eats so much chocolate because he’s miserable? Either way, sounds like you two are having a ball. I, on the other hand, have been laid up in bed after an extremely dodgy dinner including what can only be described as the worst stuffed paratha and curry in the world. Am I blaming you for encouraging me to find one? No. But am I ever touching one again … also no! The Taj was incredible – honestly, more magical than I could have ever imagined. Have you been?
I hope you’re doing well over there and maintaining your blood sugars in spite of Kushal and his candy.
Yours, rather queasily, Olivia x
Re:Re:Re:Hello
No!!!! I am so sorry to hear you got sick, although in the same breath I will also say congratulations – you’ve gone throughthe rite of passage all good travellers experience. You’re lucky yours was fairly tame – my first (yes, there have been multiple) was during an eleven-hour train journey. I’ll say no more. Is the lady still in Jaipur or has she ticked that off the list and moved on?
I amSTILLin Delhi, much to my increasing frustration, but what can I do? I roll again soon, so keep all those fingers crossed we get some movement. I’ve been working hard with Kushal to swap at least one chocolate bar for a piece of fruit … it’s not gone down well. Alas, we try!
Yours, most ready to move on already, Jacob x
From:[email protected]
Re:Re:Re:Re:Hello
I have indeed moved on and am coming to you all the way from Jodhpur (not to make you jealous or anything!). The rest of Jaipur was great. Even though I had to take it a little slower, I got to see everything I wanted to and even made a new friend (I think you would love her!), so we did a lot of it together. Now I’m solo again and trying to enjoy the desert life. Have you been before? If so, any recommendations for places to eat? I am clearly not a very good judge of restaurant character.
I’m sorry ‘the universe’ is keeping you stuck, but maybe you’re being held there to support Kushal on his path to a nutritious and wholesome life. If so, maybe hurry up and do better so you can get out of Delhi and on to somewhere new!
Yours, still haunted by the thought of your eleven-hour train journey, Olivia x
