“It’s high time we had some fun here,” he said as they breezed along. “The police are talking to Sean as we speak, and I’ll do more investigating when we return. But for now, let’s enjoy. It’s probably cause to celebrate. I’m sure we got our man.”
Cindy didn’t want to stir up a discussion about it at the moment and said nothing as they breezed along.
“You’re unusually quiet,” Mattheus seemed surprised. “I was expecting to get an argument.”
“No arguments needed,” Cindy said quietly as the car breezed along the roads. “I just need some fresh air now and time to let everything settle.”
Mattheus turned his head quickly and looked over at her. “Good,” he said, “the words of a wise woman. It must have been quite an interview with Kate’s dad to quiet you down like this.”
“It was,” said Cindy, lightly, “now let’s just chill.”
Mattheus turned on the radio, and popular music filled the air as the car wended its way towards the park.
“We’re on the way to Arikok National Park,” Mattheus chimed in as the car picked up speed. “The park takes up about 18 per cent of the island. Once we go in, we’ll get a taste of old Aruba. There are amazing geological, cultural and historical sites, along with incredible hiking trails, caves and natural pools. It’s fabulous, it’s beautiful.”
“You sound like a tour guide,” said Cindy smiling.
“I’ve researched it a lot,” Mattheus said, “always wanted to see this place. The park’s got the Aruba lava formation and a quartz and limestone formation that have influenced the way the island was settled. And, inside the park are some of the oldest Arawak paintings. There are also several reptile species which live only on this island, including two snake and bird species.”
Cindy shuddered, and Mattheus laughed.
“They’re magnificent,” he said, “the whiptail lizard, Baker’s cat eyed snake and the burrowing owl and Aruban parakeet. I hope we see some of them. I brought my camera.”
Cindy was happy that he had. This was a wonderful rest and distraction from all they’d been dealing with. And, the park would be bursting with life. There would be no loneliness or gloom there. The creatures that populated this place, didn’t rebel against their surroundings, or long to die. It was a wonderful antidote to what they were dealing with. Cindy didn’t like even considering the possibility of suicide. Everything about it seemed against nature’s way.
We deserve some time here, anyway, don’t we?” asked Mattheus.
“Absolutely,” said Cindy, “I’m so glad we’re here.” And she meant it. The strange interview with Kate’s dad had made every moment so much more precious. Cindy was thrilled to share this place with Mattheus. She was delighted he was so excited about it.
She reached out and stroked Mattheus’s arm, “Thanks for planning something so wonderful,” she said softly.
“Thanks for being willing to enjoy it with me,” Mattheus replied.
When they arrived, they parked the car and then quickly entered a hiking trail. There were all kinds of trails which covered the terrains, from hills to gold mines and even plantation ruins. The trail they chose rose to the highest point in the place so they could enjoy incredible views.
As they walked Cindy heard the sound of the odd birds and passed through intense foliage. It felt like a journey through another land, and she was enjoying every moment of it.
As they got closer to the top Mattheus stopped suddenly and pointed to a rock formation, where they could sit and take a break. After walking around a bit and taking photos, he stopped and sat down next to Cindy.
“We need time like this,” he said, throwing his head back, looking up at the sky, “we need souvenirs and photos of wonderful moments together.”
“Agreed,” said Cindy simply.
Mattheus turned and looked at her. “I think it’s time we talked about our relationship,” he said as though he’d been planning this for a while.
Cindy shivered a bit. His voice deepened and sounded serious. She was frightened of what could be coming next.
“We need each other, Cindy,” Mattheus went on.
“I realize that,” she responded. Cindy didn’t like the idea of needing Mattheus, though. She preferred choosing him out of wholeness and strength.
“I know you realize it,” Mattheus went on. “But not only do we need each other, we also need stability. Do you agree?”
“Of course stability is good,” Cindy replied, “especially living in an unstable world like ours.”
“But?” Mattheus asked, sitting straighter.
“I didn’t say but,” said Cindy.
“But I hear it underneath your comment. Sure, stability is good, but do you really want it? Do you want someone you can count on to be at your side?”
“Doesn’t everybody want that?” asked Cindy.
“I’m not sure,” said Mattheus. And I didn’t ask about everybody, I asked about you.”
“I don’t like the idea of needing someone,” Cindy suddenly replied. “I like the idea of choosing each other from a sense of strength.”