Making Memories (1/2)

The afternoon was entering into evening; seagulls circled above the beach in the lilac and orange tinted sky, crying softly out in the sea as the waves gently washed over the rocks and pebbles.  The sun was setting behind the horizon, behind a man who was sitting alone on a bench; the golden fireball emitted a lazy light from behind, causing a warm glow to reveal the hazelnut brown waves which framed the well-chiselled face.  The white skin produced a faint radiance which highlighted Kim Kibum's handsome facial features.  A couple of girls passed him by and gave him a quick look-over before winking at him- but it was wasted for Key was deep in thought.  Mrs Bernard was constantly in his thoughts: what she said, her bitter stare and her un-welcoming face but especially, the shock of it all was just too much to take in.

"Mrs Bernard," Key smiled as Charlotte offered to carry his suitcase to his room, "long time no see."

"How do you do, Mr. Kim."  She nodded, giving a small smile but then that smile vanished when Charlotte was out of sight.

It was silent and it seemed to Key that Mrs Bernard made no attempt to talk to him.

"So, how are you?"

"Good thank you."

Silence.

"Is business doing well?"

"It's good."  Came the short reply, no attempt to explain or expand- just a plain answer.

"Mr Kim, I apologise for not looking happier to see you…"

"You must be tired, ma'am, would you like to do this tomorrow?"

"No, it's okay, I'm not tired…"

A pause.

"Mr Kim, may I be frank and honest with you?"

"Mrs Bernard?"

"What are your plans?"

"I had some business to do in France for a couple of days-"

"No, pardon," Mrs Bernard waved dismissively, "I simply meant what are your plans with my grand-daughter?"

"I.." Key was struck dumb: with Charlotte?  I want to see her because I missed her.  "Because I wanted to see Charlotte and I missed her."

"Are you returning tomorrow?"

"Yes.  I don't understand, is there a problem?"

"There is a problem."  Mrs Bernard lifted her eyes so she was looking right into Key's: "The problem is you."

Key was taken back; his eyes flashed in surprise and shock.

"Me?  How?"

"I need you to distance yourself from Charlotte."

Key shook his head in confusion.  "Excuse me?  What are you saying-?"

"It's for her own good; I'm sorry," Mrs Bernard looked away from Key, "I'm doing this for her best interest- so she won't get hurt."

"For her best interest?"  Key was confused as to what Mrs Bernard was saying- was implying, "I don't understand.  What makes you think I'd hurt her?  I would never do anything to harm her, you know that."

"I know very well…"

"Well, then-"

"But you also weren't aware that ever since you left 6 years ago," Mrs Bernard continued, her eyes twinkling, "that Charlotte had been coming back to this house every April."

"What?"

This doesn't make sense, why would sh-