Sally's Destiny - A short story of Love and Romance in the Scottish Highlands by A. J. Temple Read Free Book Online Page A

downcast and thoroughly miserable.
    It was a deflated and despondent Sally that ca lled her friend Elizabeth and arranged to go over that night. She gathered up her belongings, and with a heavy heart said her farewells to Agnes and Robert – who promised to call her as soon as the car was repaired; most likely the next day.
    She kissed Robert full on the lips, as he led her out to the car where Tom was waiting patiently, and promised him that this changed nothing; even though they had just met –she thought the world of him and would help in any way she could.
    Roberts heart soared at the news – He could not have borne it if she had rejected him at this point in their new relationship. He put her belongings in the boot of Tom’s car, and turned to her.
    “Sally, I’m truly sorry you had to hear all that. I’d quite understand it if you never wanted to see me again!”
    “Spoken like a true man! Really…Get back inside and comfort your mother – there will be a solution to this I can promise you!”
    Tom, oblivious to the drama that had unfolded, peeped his horn as he drove Sally out of the courtyard and towards his own house just a short journey away.
     
    Sally arrived at her friends just ten minutes later, and Elizabeth rushed out the door to meet her. They stayed on one of the Rothiemurchus Estate cottages, which was solid built of granite under a pitched slate roof; which was covered with about a foot of snow – a testament to the good insulating in the roof space.
    “Sally!” exclaimed Elizabeth excitedly as she got out of the car. “It’s so good to see you!” She rushed forward and embraced her friend, as Tom got the belongings out of the car.
    “Come in quickly, out of the cold – I think it’s going to be a real freezer tonight!”
    Elizabeth chattered away as they all got inside and closed the door behind them.
    “Come on through to the lounge, Tom will take your gear into the spare room – won’t you Tom?”
    “Oh yes .. I’m here to serve after all!” he said with a smile .
    “Right Sally…what’s wrong?” She looked straight at her friend with her eyebrows arched, as soon as Tom had left the room.
    “Wrong? Why there is nothing wrong I’m just….”
    “Out with it! I know you well enough to know that something is bothering you – is it something to do with Robert perhaps?”
    “Well, ok…yes it is…but it’s not what you think!” She said defensively when Elizabeth gave her a triumphant look.
    “Ha, ok…I’m all ears; spill it!”
    “Oh Elizabeth, you know I’m hopeless with secrets!”
    “Yes I do – that’s why I’m asking you to spill the beans!”
    “Well if I do you must promise me you will tell no-one!”
    “Tell no-one what exactly?” Tom said as he came back into the room.
    “ Aarrgg …see what I mean – now Tom’s in on it!”
    “Ha ha , I don’t even know what ‘it’ is yet! Why don’t you illuminate me?”
    Sally gave an exasperated sigh.
    “Ok Tom; both of you – not a word, ok?”
    They both nodded there ascent, and Sally told them what had just happened over at Roberts cabin.
    Tom was the first to speak up. “Well we knew that things were not good – we’ve known Robert and his mum for many years. Since he works alongside me, he has shared some of his concerns, but by no means everything; he is a very proud man and not likely to ask for help – especially when he feels he is to blame.”
    “Which of course, in a way he is!” Opined Elizabeth. “Albeit under mitigating circumstances it’s true – who knows how any of us would deal with the loss of a loved one; it’s too horrific to think about.” She leaned across to take Tom’s hand.
    They chatted about the problem for a while, without finding any obvious solutions. Eventually the conversation turned to the other events around the Cabin; Sally getting particularly animated when she spoke of Romeo, and her trip through the forest trail. She left out all but the most basic