First Chapter of The Expatriate Siamese

This is the complete first chapter of

The Expatriate Siamese:-

Mitzi

Earlier that morning, a thin layer of mist had obscured the coastal strip, leaving hillocks standing out like islands in a grey sea, but it had cleared quickly to reveal a calm blue Mediterranean and a cloudless sky.

The white buildings lining the south-west shore of Mallorca, highlighted by the brilliant sunshine, contrasted sharply with the green patchwork of almond orchards and olive groves covering the lower slopes of the mountains, while thousands of pines clung tenaciously to crevices in the rocks above.

However, the perfect day was marred for me because Graham was preparing for a trip to the UK. I lay on the bed, scrutinising every movement as he packed his suitcase and moaning involuntarily whenever I thought of his impending departure--although I was unable to fully express my feelings, he was aware of my absolute devotion.

By eavesdropping on a telephone conversation, I already knew that Graham had booked a return flight from Palma to Gatwick, but the purpose of his hastily arranged journey was wrapped in mystery. I had followed him into the bedroom in order to be near him for as long as possible before he left for the airport.

Instead of his usual informal garb, Graham was wearing a long-sleeved cream shirt, a pale blue silk tie, and grey trousers with knife-edged creases; a matching jacket was draped casually over the king-size bed, which dominated the room. Colourful rugs, some attractive watercolours, and a crystal chandelier relieved the stark white walls and plain tiled floor--typical of a Mallorquin house. The slatted persianas were closed against the midday sun but the wood-framed windows were wide open, allowing a pleasantly cool breeze to waft over my body.

I lay on the soft quilt, resting my head on a sleeve of Graham's jacket and nuzzling the material to savour the familiar scent of his cologne. When he leaned over to place two clean shirts into his suitcase, I stretched out seductively and lightly touched his arm.

He turned and looked at me sympathetically: 'I know darling--I'll miss you too, but I'll be back soon bringing something exciting for you,' he said as he slipped on his jacket and clicked the case shut.

Still moaning intermittently, I followed him down the stairs to the hall where his wife, Pam, was waiting to escort him to the car.

'Good-bye Tia, cheer up--I'll be home in two days,' he said, gently stroking my head.

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