Abandoned but Not Alone Read Free Page A

”
    Laughing
Aviva got ready to educate her American friend. “ It ’ s time for
another lesson in all things Jamaican my dear. A ' peel-head' is someone
without hair, and that my dear friend, is the perfect description of you. ”
    Aviva took
a good look at Hope who was sporting a cut so close to her head she was
practically bald.  Without a doubt, the girl could work it, but …
    Surprised
by the new haircut; Aviva had nearly walked past her when Hope had met her at
the airport; the change had been so drastic. For as long as she had known Hope
she had worn her hair cascading down her back. In-fact, the last time she had
seen her friend, her hair had been just as long as always, but she had dyed it
blonde. She hadn ’ t
understood that look, but hey, whatever floats your boat. But Hope pulled it
off, she was one of the world ’ s most
famous supermodels and could get away with most things. She was
five-feet-eleven, most of which comprised of long shapely legs, a slim body and
skin that looked as though she had been dipped in dark rich honey. She was also
one of the most beautiful women Aviva had ever seen. At thirty, Hope should by
now be considered over-the-hill for most modeling jobs, but she was still in
high demand, sought after to grace the cover of magazines and to walk the
runway of long established fashion houses around the world.
    Aviva
wondered if Hope's haircut wouldn ’ t affect
the jobs she would be offered.  Asking Hope that very question on their drive
from the airport, Hope had shrugged her shoulders, saying it had been time for
a change and in her industry, wigs and hair extensions were king. Aviva
accepted her friends answer, but something didn ’ t feel right, it was just too drastic a change. After her
somewhat blas é response,
Hope had changed the subject, clearly denoting a subject close. Aviva
continuing to give Hope speculative looks for a few more seconds before
deciding she had better let well enough alone. Although she could tell
something was going on, nothing would be gained by pursuing the subject.
    Both women
continued the drive in a companionable silence, each lost in their own
thoughts. Hope pulled into a driveway and came to a stop before what looked
like a British country manor house. Their car doors were opened by two smiling
young men dressed in white shirts and trousers. Each young man held out his
hand and assisted the women from the car. As they alighted, Hope moved around
the car to join Aviva at the foot of the stairway that led to their final
destination, the Spa. They were greeted by another smiling young man holding a
silver tray which contained two glasses of champagne bubbling effervescently.
Aviva took a glass and smiled at the waiter, who completely ignored her. His
eyes locked on Hope, mouth hanging open in stupefaction. 
    Aviva had
seen it all before, rolling her eyes she used one finger of her free hand to
push his jaw up which made an audible snap as it closed. Both women looked at
each other doing their best to suppress laughter. Only just managing to hold in
their hilarity, they didn ’ t want to
be unkind even though the young man had by now turned a very interesting shade
of red. Coming to his senses he cleared his throat, preparing himself to give
his welcome spiel.
    “ Ms Richards, Ms Johnson, welcome to the Hyde .
My name is Todd and I hope you both enjoy your stay with us today. If you would
both follow me, I will be delighted to escort you to bed – Bev – I mean Bev – I mean
Beverly who will assist you throughout the day. ”
    Aviva didn ’ t think it was possible; Tod ’ s blush had increased, beads of sweat
peppering his brow.  The situation was so ludicrously funny there was no way
she could look at Hope, if she did, it would take only one glance for her to
break down in laughter.  So she fixed her eyes on the stairs that led to the
main building. Todd too turned towards the stairs and tripped on the first
step, by this point Aviva had to