Isabella.
The boys were up at the crack of dawn and came bounding into my room throwing themselves onto my bed. I instantly regret that second bottle of wine as my head is feeling bit groggy, which was unusual as my tolerance for alcohol was quite high. I figured it was more the early hour the boys had woken than the alcohol.
"Mummy, wake up! We are going on a treasure hunt today!" They both yelled in unison whilst bouncing on my bed.
" I know but its still very early. Why don't you go and pop the TV on and watch some cartoons. I'll be through in a few minutes once I'm dressed"
They both leapt off my bed and disappeared through the door and I heard the TV turn on and just a few seconds later they began to argue over what to watch. I sighed and threw the cover off myself and walked to the door popping my head through I said to them " No arguing or there will be no treasure hunt today". They ceased arguing immediately and settled down quietly watching whatever they had on. I made my way to my suitcase and pulled out a pair of bright pink shorts and a stringy bright pink bikini top. I looked at them for a minute imaging the disapproving comments that Marcus would have if he saw them but I figured he's not here and I'll have a life vest on so that would help me maintain some modesty. Besides its so hot. I quickly took a shower and threw them on. I brushed my teeth and pulled my hair into a high ponytail. When I went back to the living area, the boys were still sat watching TV so I sent Jack for a shower and then Jacob after him. They both brushed their teeth and I dressed them in matching blue shirts, with a boat motif and light grey shorts. I know its a bit cliche to dress identical twins in the same clothes but they liked the same things and this saved them from arguing about wanting to wear what the other had on.
" Right, time for your medicine boys" they came over and I poured each of them a spoonful and they grimaced as the bitter taste hit their toungues.
" Why do we have to have this stuff Mummy. Its so YUCKY." Jack pouted at me.
"Yeah its so nasty" Jacob chipped in.
" You know why. Look, I'm having my tablet now too". I replied while popping the pill in mouth and swallowing it down with gulp of water.
It made me sad that I'd passed my condition onto them, but the doctor had warned me when I was pregnant that it was a possibility and I didn't want them to end up like me and hearing voices in their heads. Well a voice. Just the one when I was 16 and then the same one again when I was pregnant and I'd had to stop my meds so as not to harm the babies.
FLASHBACK.
I'm sat here in the doctors office with my parents. I'm really scared as I'm only 16 and my parents have brought me to a private doctor after I told them that I had heard a female voice speaking to me in my head. They had both looked terrified, which is to be expected I suppose. I had heard my dad talking to my mum that night as I sat outside my door listening.
" I can't believe its happening already" I heard him say. Already? I thought to myself does that mean they knew this was going to happen?
" We have to tell her now its the only way to explain what is happening to her" my mum had replied sounding sad.
"We will tell her in the morning" my dad had answered. I closed my door quietly and crept into my bed. Tell me what? I thought to myself. Whatever it is it can't be good judging by their tone. I barely slept a wink that night. Not only because I was thinking about what I'd heard my parents saying but also because this annoying voice in my head just wouldn't shut up. She kept telling me that I would be meeting her soon and she was so excited for the first shift. I had no idea what was going on but I was terrified.
The next morning they had sat me down and explained that they loved me very much and I will always be their daughter. Then they told me they had adopted me when I was just 2 years old from a single mother who suffered from psychosis and couldn't look after herself let alone me.
We had all sobbed together and then I asked if that was what was happening to me. They said that they think it was and that they were going to take me to a private doctor friend of theirs and he would hopefully be able to give me some medication to stop the voice I was hearing.
So here I am now sat waiting to be told I'm crazy just like my birth mum and hope that the doctor can help me.
The doctor called us in and greeted my parents with a handshake and a nod.
" I'm afraid that you have the same condition as your birth mother Isabella". he said in a sympathetic voice.
I began to cry and begged him to help me.
" The good news is there have been many advancements in medication since your mother had you and I can provide you with some tablets that will need to be taken twice a day. It is very important you do not miss a dose or the voice will return."
I am so happy I jump up and hug him, gratefully taking the tablets he had in his hand.
END OF FLASHBACK
I often thought of my birth mum and the fact that she had no choice but to give me away to my parents. Looking at my beautiful boys I can't imagine how painful it must of been for her. I was lucky I had medication that could help me. She didn't and I know I wouldn't of been able to cope with the boys if the voice had continued talking nonsense in my head. I had wondered occasionally about my birth father and why he hadn't taken care of me when my birth mum couldn't. I had concluded that he either didn't want me or didn't know about me. I hoped it was the latter.
I'd never really spoken to my parents much about them after that day as they just seemed to get annoyed about it. They said that I was ungrateful for them having raised me from the age of two. I tried to assure them this wasn't the case but they were so angry I never pushed the issue further.
I turn my gaze back to the boys and say " I'm sorry you have to take this nasty medicine everyday but you know it stops you from getting sick"
" We know mummy" they both say together.
" Right. Now we are all dressed how about we go down to the restaurant and get some pancakes"
We head to the restaurant downstairs and Jack had some pancakes with butter and syrup while Jacob had some waffles with chocolate sauce and strawberries.
I ordered myself a Caramel Latte and a Bacon sandwich. Just as we were finishing our food Jessica approached our table and said " I believe I have two more treasure hunters over here"
The boys leapt from their chairs squealing in excitement. " Have lots of fun today you two" I said bending down to give them both a big squeeze. " Remember to listen to Jessica and behave yourselves".
" We will mummy. We promise" they shouted in unison and then took off running towards the group of children already stood waiting with spades by the pool. "They will be fine dont worry. Go and enjoy some time to yourself" Jessica laughed as she started to walk away. I grabbed her arm turning her back to face me. " They need to be back by 5pm. Its important. They have medication they cannot miss."
" Not a problem I will make sure they are back no later than 4.30. I will bring them back here to the pool."
I watched them go and felt a little pang of sadness in my heart. I haven't really been apart from them much since they were born.
I shook my head and told myself to get a grip. They were only going to the beach and they were completely supervised. This was an opportunity for me to have some fun for myself. I glanced at my watch. 10am. May as well spend an hour by the pool and then make my way to the marina. I know it was booked for 12pm but I wanted to get there early so I didn't get lost and also I could ask some questions before I got started.
I sat by the pool for an hour and just flicked through a magazine. Then I set off in the direction of the marina. It was a glorious day and I was glad I'd put plenty of sunscreen on myself and the boys. As I approached the marina I froze on the spot. Oh my god. This can't be happening. There sat on the jetty staring into the water is the mystery man. Please don't tell me hes jet skiing too.
Oh well I suppose at least we won't be on the same one and there's no need for us to be near each other.
I carry on walking and resist the temptation to look at him. I arrive at the jet ski hire kiosk and give them my name.
I sense someone behind me and I don't know how but I know its him.
" Hi booking for Drew" I turn and sure enough there he is shirtless again looking like a Greek god.
I force myself to look away without saying anything and turn my attention back to the young man in the kiosk.
" It appears theres just the two of you booked in today" he says " Have you both used a jet ski before?" I shake my head so he then launches into a 20 minutes talk on all the basics and safety advice.
He hands over two life jackets and I glady take one and put it on. I then proceed to climb onto one of the jet skis, turn the key pull back the throttle and I'm off! Flying through the water and bouncing on the waves. The roar of the engine in the air. It's exhilarating. I let out whoop of pure joy and turn a little to sharply. Crap! Now I'm hurtling through the air and I realise in my excitement I haven't strapped the band on my wrist to keep me attached to the jetski. In the few seconds I'm flying through the air I also realise I haven't clipped my life jacket on properly and it comes off. I'm about to hit the water and pure terror surges through my veins. Oh my god. I'm going to die.