Page 52 of Mercury Rising

“This is perfect,” Cath said, squeezing Mercury’s arm.

He glanced behind. Nick and the others were already piling out of their car.

“Brooke. Hassan. Can you help Eddie?”

With great care, they assisted him onto the pavement. Once he felt sure Eddie wouldn’t break his ankle, Mercury went back to the driver. “How much do I owe you?”

“Nothing, mate. Call it a happy birthday to the young lad. I hope it’s everything he wanted it to be.”

Before Mercury had a chance to argue, the driver put the car in gear and drove off. This time it was Mercury who fought the tears.

He went over to the little group who had crowded around Eddie.

“Are we going to do this then?” Eddie said, impatiently.

“We certainly are,” Mercury said.

He took hold of Eddie’s hand and Nick took the other. Slowly, they led him onto the beach. The little stones shifted underfoot. Mercury much preferred a sandy beach but beggars couldn’t be choosers.

A few steps in, they stopped. Mercury checked the view. It was coast as far as the eye could see. In the distance to the right was the town and to the left a marina. Yet if he looked straight forward, he would be greeted by endless blue.

“One, two, three,” Mercury said before whipping the sleep mask off Eddie.

At first, he squinted in the sunlight. Then, his jaw dropped.

“What do you think?” Nick asked.

Eddie took a step forward. “It’s everywhere.”

“It sure is,” Mercury said. He could barely get the words out. The wonderment on Eddie’s face moved him so incredibly.

“Can I go down to the edge?” Eddie asked.

“Of course you can,” Nick replied.

“Shall I go with him?” Brooke asked.

Mercury rested a hand on her shoulder. “Let’s give him a minute. How about we get the food sorted? When he finally turns around, that will be another nice surprise.”

“I think you might struggle to get him to do that,” Cath said, wiping away a tear. “What a special moment.”

She squeezed Mercury’s hand. He suspected Nick had let the cat out of the bag.

The kids were busy laying out blankets and opening the bags they had diligently carried since London. Mercury, Anna and Olena had taken an early morning trip to the local supermarket.

“Bubble gum lemonade?” Nick asked.

“Anna’s decision,” Mercury replied.

“Chocolate buttons?” Cath added.

“Olena’s.”

“Is there anything with any nutritional value in here?” Nick enquired, rummaging in the bags.

“I shouldn’t think so,” Mercury replied. “Unless you count strawberry cheesecake as one of your five a day.”

Nick shook his head. “You’re as bad as they are.”