Lessons in Paradise

Cassie had just unpacked and was ready to explore the small, private island that would be her home for the next week. Comprising of just five intimate, yet perfectly equipped bungalows, it was just what she needed. A choice of freshly prepared meals delivered to your bungalow daily, or eating in the open air and exclusive dining area was on offer. A secluded beach and an island full of natural beauty to explore, Cassie felt instantly calm and relaxed.

It had been a tumultous year, and one she needed to put behind her. The ending of a decade plus relationship and the death of her mother, had caused more pain and heartache than she wanted to feel. For the first time in her life, at the age of forty five, Cassie wanted solitude. She wanted a moment to reflect inwards. She wanted to honour herself and how she was feelings. She wanted to be alone.

Slipping on a pair of shorts and an open white shirt over her black bikini, she headed down the sandy track towards the beach. Not worrying about her blonde hair, a mess of waves, blowing in the breeze, she felt carefree and at ease. She had not felt like this for the longest time.

Startled to see she was not alone, she saw him a little ways in front of her.

His dark hair and tanned skin, a striking contrast to her fair hair and skin. Wearing just shorts, she couldn't help but appreciate his toned and fit looking body. He too looked relaxed and seemed to be enjoying the idyllic beauty of the surroundings. At a guess, Cassie thought me was in his early thirties. She was conscious to keep the distnace between them, knowing her need for solitude and respectful that he was probably there for the same reason.

She could see the beach as they neared the end of the track and was looking forward to a swim. He turned left upon the track ending, so when Cassie reached the end she turned right. She walked along the beach drawn into it's magic, it was simply stunning. The water enticing her to enter and drink up everything she had to offer. She slipped off her sandals, shorts and shirt and made her way to the waters edge. Dipping her feet in first, she then walked in and sunk her body beneath the waters surface. She turned to peruse the beach and saw the dark haired man sitting quietly towards the end of the beach, looking out. Perhaps looking at her.

Getting hungry and knowing her lunch would arrive at her bungalow soon, she made her way back. She had just jumped out the shower and put her robe on, when she heard a knock on her door. Standing at the door to her surprise was the dark haired guy she saw earlier, and he was holding her tray of food. His name was Lucas and he was the chef.

Ignoring her reason for coming here being the need for solitude. She was intrigued and asked him to come in. His accent was quite strong and he explained he was Portuguese and had been the chef here on the island for the last two years. He loved it, after leaving the hectic bustle of working in a three hat restaurant in Madrid. He was the complete opposite to her. Well travelled. Creative. Living his life following his passions and unafraid to leave everything he knew behind. Her week of escape was his actual life.

She couldn't help but be impressed. She had always wanted to travel but never prioritised it. She loved being creative when she was younger but let it go as conditioning taught her creativity does not earn you a living. She worked in a job she really didn't like and never saw herself living in a foreign country, pursuing her passions.

He admitted he had watched her at the beach, admiring her joy as she swam. He said the island had a way of grounding you and bringing you back to the core of who you are. A way of reminding you of what's important and what you want in life, which is why he loved it here. They talked for two hours, before he needed to get back and prepare the evening meals. And she was looking forward to him coming back later.

Her need of solitude went out with the tide of the ocean once she met Lucas. They spent time together everyday getting to know each other. She realised quickly that there was an energy. An electricity that flowed between them. A connection that was forming far quicker on this island than it would in the real world. It was warm. Intimate. Unique. And the age difference did not seem to affect them, they were drawn together.

That saying that the universe doesn't give you what you want, but rather what you need was very clear to her in this moment.

She began to feel a purpose in their meeting. That she could perhaps change her structured life. Re-evaluate her passions. Follow her heart and soul. Rather than living the life she thought she was supposed to live, she could live the life she desired. She could set herself free.

The days went by quickly and there was a comfort and knowing between them that she had not felt before. Lucas taught her how to prepare a few dishes and even though she didn't usually enjoy cooking, she had a lot of fun. They went for a walk and swim each day and opened up to each other about a lot of personal things in their lives. Lucas didn't know what his next move maybe after working on the island, which Cassie found so fascinating and freeing, given she always had a plan. She loved the idea of not having a plan.

He was teaching her. This younger, attractive, foreign man with the beautiful soul and free spirit was teaching her about living. Not life, we all do life but actually living. Living a soul created life. He was teaching her how to live with purpose and passion.

She came here for solitude and she was going to leave a different person. Instead of solitide she got connection and she found connection to herself.

It was their last night before she was to return home. They had made some plans to visit each other. She felt so alive. It wasn't surprising that their connection of mind and soul would fire a physical attraction so deep within them that they wouldn't be able to ignore their desire. The old Cassie would never have allowed herself to feel and follow those desires, but the new Cassie very much wanted to explore every piece of him. And every piece of him she did, whilst surrendering herself completely to this incredible man. This teacher. This creative soul. This beautiful human being who had changed her life.

The island gave her far more than she could have ever envisioned. A paradise of natures gifts. A reminder of who she was. Lessons on how to live a life of soul. An undeniable connection that dragged her in like a magnet.

She kissed him goodbye. Not really a goodbye, more of a see you later. Even if she was to never see him again, the lessons he taught her would stay with her forever. A little piece of him was in her heart.

The universe gave her exactly what she needed and she would be forever grateful.