Chapter 12

CHAPTER TWELVE

Brighton would be heaving but Mercury had a plan. So, he, Nick and Cath had corralled five excitable teenagers onto a train at London Bridge station. After an hour of incessant chattering from most of their gang, Mercury was ready for fresh air.

"Will we really be able to see it?" Eddie asked as they walked down the platform.

"Don't worry," Mercury replied. "It's everywhere. Stay close."

"Yes, Mercury," Eddie replied.

Mercury cast him a scowl. "Cheeky."

Outside the station they found the taxi rank.

"Everyone stay here," Mercury said.

He dashed over to the front cab.

"Where can I take you?"

"To the best view of the sea, please. We have a young man with us who's never seen it."

The cabbie's mouth dropped. "What?"

"I know. Don't make a thing of it."

"You got it," the cabbie said. "You get in with me and tell my mate behind to follow us."

Mercury returned to the group. "Brooke, Eddie, Hassan and Cath with me. Nick, can you take Anna and Olena in the second one?"

Nick flinched. They hadn't had a chance to discuss why Mercury had shut down the kissing, which Mercury was glad about. His thoughts remained far too jumbled to give them voice. Knowing him, he would say exactly the wrong thing and screw things up royally.

"I've always wanted to say follow that cab," Nick said weakly.

"Now's your chance."

He didn't know what else to say. Nick's bewilderment was evident.

"Come on, you two," Hassan shouted, jumping up and down.

They scrambled into the cab. Mercury rummaged in his pocket and produced a sleep mask he'd got from his last flight.

"What's that?" Eddie asked.

"For you. It's your birthday."

"I ain't wearing that."

"Go on," Brooke urged.

"Please, Eddie," Hassan added. "It's your birthday surprise."

Eddie sighed and grabbed the mask. "If you leave me somewhere, I'll tell the police."

He put it on. Mercury caught sight of the cabbie in the rear-view mirror. To his astonishment, the man's eyes were filled with tears.

The taxi turned left on the sea front, past the pier. Hassan was about to say something when Mercury shook his head. It would be unfair to tease Eddie.

They drove for a short while until the cab stopped. The pebble beach across the road was a lot quieter than those stretches near to the town.

"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."

"It's a party," Mercury said.

"Yes, Nick," Cath chipped in. "Chillax."

"Don't you start and please don't ever say chillax again."

Mercury glanced at Eddie. He had sat on the stones, transfixed at the view.

"Do you think he's okay?" Mercury asked.

"Why don't you go and find out?" Nick replied.

Mercury nodded. He got up and wandered down to Eddie. It didn't look as if he'd moved a muscle.

When he got there, Eddie had a huge smile on his face.

"Mind if I join you?" Mercury asked.

"Sure."

Mercury flopped down on the ground, causing a mini landslide of pebbles.

"Ugh," he said. "Sand might get everywhere but these bloody rocks are a pain in the arse. Literally."

"I love them."

They stared out at the water for a little while.

"This is the best moment of my life," Eddie said. "And I know it was your idea."

Mercury swallowed down the lump that appeared to have taken up permanent residence in his throat.

"I thought you'd enjoy it."

Eddie nudged him. "You were right. When I get married, me and my wife are going to see everything."

"Don't you want kids?"

He shook his head. "Nah, I want to see more of this."

Mercury chuckled. "You might get bored of only sea. You know, after an hour or so."

"I won't. It's bloody brilliant."

"Your wife, huh?" Mercury said. "Got anyone in mind?"

To his astonishment, Eddie dropped his head and fiddled with some stones.

"Wow, that means yes. Anyone I know?" Mercury continued.

"You're not allowed to say. Do you promise?"

Mercury crossed his heart. "I will take it to the grave."

Eddie hesitated for a second. "Doesn't matter. Forget I said anything."

"Is it Brooke?"

Eddie threw a stone into the sea with a satisfying plop. "Might be."

"A very wise choice, young sir," Mercury said. "Does said lady feel the same?"

With a giggle, Eddie threw another stone. "Fuck knows. I haven't asked her."

Mercury leapt to his feet. "Let me show you something."

He searched around his feet for a flat stone. The sea was pretty calm. He hoped it would work. With a flick of his wrist, he threw the stone at the water. It did a couple of jumps before disappearing underneath.

Eddie leapt to his feet in an instant. He and Mercury searched for a perfect rock. Mercury helped him position himself and he threw it. He let out a whoop as it bounced once, then sank.

"Listen," Mercury said. "The others will be down now they've seen us doing this. I think if you like Brooke, you should do something about it. Living a life of regret is not the answer to anything."

Eddie stood, examining another rock for suitability. "You can bloody talk."

Mercury frowned. "What do you mean by that?"

"You and Nick. Did you think none of us noticed? You're well into each other."

Mercury was taken aback. "Don't be ridiculous."

Eddie threw the stone. "Whatever."

Before Mercury had a chance to reply, they were deluged by excitable teenagers all ready to teach Eddie how to skim stones properly.

Mercury made his way up the beach to Nick and Cath who were sitting on the blankets, chatting. It was difficult to walk with purpose when the ground shifted beneath him.

Maybe I have been too cautious. Who gives a fuck what people say?

Mercury reached the rugs that were part of their newly formed base camp. As he did so, he caught Cath's eye.

"I'd better go and give those beginners some help," she said, clearly getting the hint.

Mercury helped her to her feet.

"I hope you're good at skimming," he said.

"I annihilated everyone on a school trip to the Lake District in 1988. Watch and learn, kid. Watch and learn."

Mercury took her place on the rug.

"She'll have them gold medallists by the end of the day," Mercury said.

Nick picked up a paper plate. "Can I tempt you to a cold chicken bite?"

"I'm good, thanks. They look like breaded dog shit."

"Ha. You bought them."

"I'm easily influenced."

Mercury knew what he wanted to do. Yet, his confidence was missing in action.

"Can we talk about things?" Nick said. "I know it's not appropriate now. I don't care, I want to understand."

Mercury took a deep breath. "I've been a dick. I have so much I want to say to you. How about you come and spend the weekend at my place? Then we can really thrash it out."

"Oh yes?"

Mercury giggled. "We've been pissing around for ages. Let's do this."

Nick's face lit up. "You sure?"

"Too bloody right I am."

"Then I gladly accept."