An Unexpected Lesson

Prologue

C lose your eyes. No , both of you, Christian commanded, enjoying his rare vacation from the racetrack. Zoe giggled whilst her daughter, April, chided her with a Shh., waiting for her father’s surprise.

It was April’s twentieth birthday and the fact that she was now ‘eyes wide shut’, bathed in the warmth of a Technicolor sunset, sitting in an exclusive yet deserted restaurant on Medano Beach, only set her heart pounding to a new height of excitement.

Wait... said her father, as the sound of a guitar strumming came up from the beach.

Wait... he said again, as a voice joined in with Estas son las mañanitas!

Wait... he insisted, as the voice was joined by a chorus of others, male and female: Que cantaba el Rey David. Hoy por ser día de tu santo, te las cantamos a tí. Despierta, mi bien!

Now you can open them! her father said, laughing. April and Zoe opened their eyes to find the deserted restaurant was now filled with dancers, singers and musicians singing her the special Mexican birthday song: Despierta, mira que ya amaneció, Ya los pajarillos cantan, la luna ya se metió.

A cake with twenty candles was wheeled in and April was adorned with a garland of royal blue morning glory flowers. Champagne corks popped whilst lobsters and swordfish sizzled on a table-side barbecue. It was the happiest night of her life and she wept, crying tears of pure joy.

A week later, her father made her cry again – this time in anguish, not ecstasy. His car had hit a wine bottle thrown onto the track by a drunken VIP. The car spun seven times in the air before crashing into the concrete safety wall of the Monte Carlo circuit. Christian De-Courtney never regained consciousness, but fought a valiant fight for fourteen hours before his brain finally shut down.

CHAPTER 1

Zoe and Christian had divorced when April was only three. It wasn’t that they didn’t love each other, both of them had often told her this over the past sixteen years, rather they wanted to move their lives in opposite directions. Christian wanted to concentrate on being a world-class Formula One driver and living the lifestyle that went with it; Zoe chose to travel the world, studying animals in her career as a highly respected zoologist. April had stayed with her mother and accompanied her to some of the most glorious places in the world, permanently living the student gap year dream.

Much to April’s delight, she had been home-schooled her whole life, taking her exams in whatever country they were in at the time. Christian made sure he was in constant contact with Zoe and April; Skyping at least twice a week and exchanging lengthy emails with blow-by-blow accounts of their crazy adventures.

Christian flew out a few times a year to meet with them, often arranging extravagant surprises. Many considered them a dysfunctional family, but those who knew them well could see that what they had was special and it worked for them.

April’s father was the only person who could calm her down when she’d work herself up about something. Like the time she’d been bitten by a poisonous spider on her tenth birthday, ironically on a toilet seat in the plush ‘Hemingway’s Hotel’ in Nairobi. As close as she was with her mum, she was already missing her father’s natural ability to make her feel better about anything and she wasn’t sure how anyone could possibly fill the void he’d left behind.

April and Zoe travelled back to England for the funeral. It was there that April quickly realised how much her estranged grandparents disliked her mother and, by association, herself.

They were greeted by Grandmother de-Courtney with, Surprised you’ve found the time to come back to England – dragged yourself away from herding goats or whatever it is you do? Zoe opened her mouth to respond, but before she had the chance, the old lady turned her attention to April and muttered, I doubt our son will have left you anything in his will.

April was at boiling point, who did the old crow think she was talking to? Sensing April’s mood, Zoe squeezed her hand tightly in empathy and politely ended the conversation with, I’m sorry for your loss, then led April away. How dare she, April thought. She had no idea what kind of relationship April and her parents had. Her mum had been inconsolable when she had heard the news. Aside from April, her dad was probably the only person she’d ever loved. Zoe’s own parents had been old, both in age and mind, when they both passed away several years ago. April had stopped getting birthday cards from them after her fifth birthday, as they were never sure where to send them.

April didn’t recognise anyone at the funeral. The guests included family friends, old friends and people from the racing circuit, whom the grandparents fawned on embarrassingly. Angelo Castero, the current world champion Formula One driver, approached April and Zoe outside the church and held her mum’s hands while telling her how ‘splendido’ Christian was and how he often talked fondly about her and April. The Old Crow did her best to break up the conversation but only succeeded in making herself look foolish.

At the wake, Grandfather De-Courtney made a speech: He was the perfect son. Dedicated, determined, hardworking... Blah, blah, blah, April thought. This wasn’t her dad. Her dad was a free- spirited, adrenaline-seeking junkie. A loving father and ex-husband, who had still cared for his ex-wife dearly.

The big shock came the day after the funeral. There was a knock on April and Zoe’s hotel room door and they were given solicitors’ letters, detailing what Christian had left them in his will. They were given the entirety of his estate and his enormous country home. They didn’t need to worry about money for the foreseeable future and beyond. The grandparents were gifted with his famous driving gloves and April smirked, thinking about how the Old Crow would have reacted to this news.

CHAPTER 2

April hated moving . She hated that feeling of waking up and having absolutely no idea where she was. She sat up in her new bed and looked around at the room which would be hers for at least another three years. There were numerous boxes waiting to be unpacked and items of furniture waiting to be assembled. April and her mum had never really stayed anywhere long enough to have to unpack and neither of them had ever built furniture.

They’d travelled to many exotic (and some not so exotic) places, studying animals in Africa, India and Australia, to name a few. But now, April found herself in the grey and boring village of Quernmore, Lancaster. No exotic animals, no mountains to climb and, as she looked out of her window, no sun.

Zoe had decided it was time for her daughter to experience what it meant to be a normal teenager, and although she loved having April with her for company, she felt she needed more stability. When the unpacking was complete, almost immediately Zoe was packing for her next trip: South Africa.

As she waited for her taxi to the airport, Zoe explained, University will be such an exciting experience, April. You’ll meet loads of friends, go to parties, get drunk, and maybe even find a boyfriend... April hadn’t seen the exciting side. She had pictured drunk idiots and immature girls getting dolled up to impress boys. April was twenty, but she had always felt much older than other girls her age.

The only thing that had appealed to April about university was the thought of getting a degree in Biology. She loved Science, and one day she wanted to have a career in it. However, until then, she just wanted to reunite with her mum and continue travelling the world.

April was dreading the day ahead of her; her first day at university. As she lay in bed, she thought about the first time she pulled up to the house with her mum. She couldn’t believe that this would be her new home.

The house was three stories high, all white, with huge bay windows and surrounded by a large wooden porch. The only real colour on the house was the big red front door, completely out of place, which April loved. It was a very grand house made for a racing car driver – literally. Next to the house was an enormous garage where her dad had kept his cars, most of which had since been sold. But her dad’s favourite car – his Ferrari – was still living there.

April rolled out of bed and wandered across to her mirror. She was short, about five foot two, with a fairly athletic build. She frowned at her reflection; her long brown hair was in full bed-head mode. She knew she should have brushed and dried it before bed but she was too nervous about the day ahead. So now it hung around her face in clusters. She reached for her brush and began de-tangling, peering out of her bedroom window.

Below was a river and on the other side was her neighbour’s house, which happened to be the only other house nearby. It was just as big, if not bigger, than her own. But this house was made from red bricks and a grey roof and was missing the porch and odd red door. April’s bedroom was directly facing one of the neighbour’s bedrooms, where she could make out a perfectly white bed set.

Her eyes flicked to the neighbour's driveway, where a woman was collecting her post. The woman was tall and blonde, dressed in silk PJs, holding a mug in one hand and the post in the other; house wife, April presumed. Time to get ready, she thought, time to be ‘normal.’

She showered, threw on some clothes and made her way downstairs. As she descended the spiral staircase, she took a few moments to take in how big and spectacular this house really was. She had spent most of her life staying in log cabins, tents and hotel rooms (on special occasions). There was far too much room in this house for just one person; rooms she would probably never even step foot in. Maybe if she made friends at university, she could ask them to move in? April quickly dismissed that thought – she wasn’t the most social butterfly. She made some toast and headed for the door, then stopped and thought whether or not she needed to take anything? Should she have purchased any books? Too late now, the university was an hour’s walk away and she didn’t want to be late. She unlocked her phone and loaded up the sat nav. She had a long walk ahead of her.

After they moved into their new home, the Old Crow had been furious, which Zoe couldn’t understand. She had fought back: You said once that April needed a stable life, and now she’ll have one! Though she would never admit it, Zoe had known Christian’s parents were right. April did need stability and staying in England felt like the right decision, despite April’s disagreement.

University starts next month, and it’s only down the road! her mum had said. April had argued that not only had she just lost her dad, now her mum wanted to leave her in England, while she jetted off back to work. They argued for days, but April was fighting a losing battle and deep down she knew her mum wasn’t really abandoning her. She would be back at Christmas and then planned to retire from her travelling the following year. Nonetheless, she was unhappy about the decision.

Playing over their argument in her head, April nearly missed her turning. The sat nav on her phone chirped, Take the next left then you have arrived at your destination. It had been extremely unhelpful the entire journey, leading her down one street before jumping to a new location and telling her to turn around. She’d named the annoying voice Sharon. Thank you, Sharon, she said to her phone, as she placed it into her pocket.

CHAPTER 3

April stood outside of Lancaster University, shivering. She’d forgotten how unpredictable the English weather could be. It was sunny when she’d left her house, but now it was cold and rainy.

The building in front of her was much bigger than she’d imagined, and though she would never admit it, she was quietly impressed. It was a beautiful, historic building with huge Gothic windows. She hadn’t a clue where she was going or who she was meeting. There hadn’t been much time to prepare, with it being such a last-minute decision.

What am I doing? April muttered to herself as she stood outside the main entrance. She thought about leaving and locking herself away in her mansion. People would say it was haunted, but it was just a lonely young woman mourning her old life.

Just as she turned to make a run for it, a middle-aged woman appeared in the doorway, smiling. Oh, hello love. Need some help? April paused for a few seconds before replying, Uh, yes. It’s my first day, and I’ve no idea where I’m supposed to be!

She followed the woman into the building and was greeted by an enormous staircase ahead and two long corridors on either side of her. She was surrounded by students laughing and chatting, on their way to lectures, she assumed. She was jealous of the students, walking with their friends, without a care.

They reached the reception desk and the woman sat down. April stood, waiting patiently, while she very slowly worked her computer, peering over her glasses at each individual key. Why did she even have them on? April thought.

What are you studying again? Biology? the woman asked. April nodded and the woman looked back down at her keys. Right, she said, as she looked for the ‘B.’

As the woman got to the L in Biology and April had lost the will to live, a young girl bounded towards her and broke their silence, April Fields? Before she could answer, she was pulled into a hug with the stranger.

I was worried I wouldn’t find you! My name’s Claire, I’m a third year. I’ve been asked to show you around today! The girl was incredibly lively, but unfortunately April wasn’t up for chatting much and really just wanted to get on with her first day, blending into the background as much as possible.

Did you find your way in OK? Claire asked.

Uh yeah, it was fine thanks. I only live down the road, she lied. It was easier than trying to explain how she had a house an hour away, left to her by her dead dad.

As they headed down a corridor, that never seemed to end, Claire provided the commentary, like some sort of university tour guide. Right. Let’s see, Claire stopped so quickly that April nearly walked into her. So, according to your schedule you need the E block, which is...this way. She turned on her heel and marched down another corridor, continuing with the guided tour.

Following each historic fact from Claire, April smiled and nodded, but she wasn’t really paying attention. She was reminding herself that this was just three years, then she would leave and see the world again. The thought comforted April, only three years.

Here we go! April hadn’t been paying attention again, but noticed that Claire had stopped and was pointing at a large sign, which read ‘E block’.

E block! said Claire. Was she really necessary? April wondered. She’d made her way around the Amazon jungle but somehow needed help to find the E block. But she smiled, hoping this meant Claire would leave.

Then Clair handed over April’s schedule and pointed her in the direction of her first class. April thanked her, but just as she was reaching for the door handle, Claire stepped in front and burst through the door. Sorry to interrupt everyone, but I just want to introduce our latest new comer. April's body told her to run, run now before they see you, but it was too late. Claire dragged her into the classroom and continued, This is April; she’s a week behind, so everyone be nice! She was speaking like it was April’s first day at nursery.

Claire left and April was left standing in front of at least fifty students. Embarrassment flooded through her; so much for blending in. The lecturer laughed, Take a seat, April. Welcome to Genetics. She sat in the nearest available chair, next to a tall athletic-looking boy, while wanting the world to swallow her whole. Stupid Claire.

She felt like everyone was still staring at her. She could feel eyes burning into the back of her head, but she was being ridiculous. Nobody cared about poor little April. As her face turned back from a bright shade of red to normal, the boy next to her leant towards her.

Hi, I’m Aaron, he whispered, flashing a perfect smile. His eyes were dark, matched by his bouncy brown hair, which he tucked behind his ear.

Hey. I’m April... You probably heard Claire introduce me, so there’s actually no need for me to introduce myself...

Aaron laughed quietly and turned his attention back to the lecturer. Good one April, she thought.

April had spent most of her life around people much older than her, so she had no clue how to interact with people her own age. Her mum was her best friend and her mum’s colleagues were like family. As she thought of her mum, she got a lump in her throat. Feeling the tears coming, she put all of her energy into not crying. The last thing she needed today was more embarrassment.

The Genetics Lecture should have been interesting; however, the teacher was far too dull, and April spent most of the lesson daydreaming. His voice had one tone and sounded more like a constant hum. She looked down at her timetable; Human Biology after lunch. Hopefully the next lecturer will be more interesting than this one, she thought to herself. Is this really the life her mother had wanted for her?

In between day-dreams, April noticed Aaron staring at her. She gave him a small smile and then turned away, but he continued to stare. Was he OK? she thought. Then, he leant over again and whispered to her, Welcome to three years of hell! His breath smelt of alcohol and April assumed most of the students in this room were probably hungover. The average student came to university to get drunk for three years, didn’t they? Aaron then looked down and picked up her schedule, Wow. Bit of a nerd, are we?

Yeah, but don’t tell anyone. I’m trying to improve my reputation by completely lying about who I am. April winked, which came as a surprise, even to her. Was she flirting?

Aaron laughed, Your secret’s safe, nerd, as long as I can copy your notes?

April smiled, I better pay attention then!

The lecture seemed to last a lifetime, but eventually the students were packing up their things and heading for the door. April wasn’t sure where she was supposed to go next; she felt like a lost child in a supermarket.

Coming for lunch then, nerd? Aaron asked. April smiled and nodded, then followed him out of the lecture theatre. She would rather be alone, but it was easier to follow Aaron around, at least for today.

There were students everywhere and April stuck close to Aaron to avoid being separated. When she walked through the busy streets of Madurai in India with her mum, she held on tightly to her hand, but somehow it didn’t feel appropriate in this situation.

The on-site cafe had a standard lunch menu: sandwiches, jacket potatoes and soup. Of which, Aaron ordered two sandwiches and a jacket potato, then he turned to April and grinned, I’m a growing boy. That three-hour lecture left me starving! April went for the more appropriate option of a tuna sandwich, then followed Aaron to a nearby table.

The table was occupied by three other students, two girls and one boy, and fortunately there were two empty seats available for herself and Aaron.

Oi! This is April, she started today. April sat herself down opposite Aaron; another introduction, she thought, great.

Hi, the boy mumbled, without looking up from the video he was watching on his phone. The girls were pretty, although they seemed to be wearing a lot of makeup. They were both wearing some variation of skinny jeans, crop tops and gleaming white trainers. April must have missed the memo.

The girl closest to her smiled, Hey, I’m Charlie. Which halls are you living in, April? Charlie was very pretty. Her hair was as long as April’s but she had tight curls, which were contained in a bobble on the top of her head. She was fair skinned with the odd freckle here and there and small teeth like a gerbil.

I’m not actually. I’m living in my dad’s old house; I can’t remember the name of it. It’s about an hour walk away.

The other girl suddenly became very interested in the conversation, You live at home? That’s no fun. Being away from your parents is half the joy of uni... What if you want to bring a boy back?

Charlie laughed at this, Not everyone thinks like you, Hannah.

To which the girl April now knew to be Hannah responded, You only live once!

Hannah was just as pretty as Charlie. She was as fair, but her hair was sandy blonde, which lay longer than both of theirs and her eyes were small and blue, surrounded by eyeliner. She noted that both of them had quite pale skin; English weather clearly wasn’t the best for a tan and April was sure hers would soon fade.

Hannah probably hadn’t been expecting a response from April, but she found herself replying anyway. Well, my mum travels a lot for work, so she’s never really home...and dad’s not there... She hesitated; why was she already talking about her dad? ...He died a few months ago, she continued. Silence. Well done April, you’ve made it awkward already.

Charlie put her hand on April’s, I’m really sorry, that’s awful.

April felt incredibly uncomfortable, but she couldn’t stop talking, It’s OK, he died doing what he loved. He’s a race car driver...Well, he was.

The boy at the end of the table suddenly perked up, Your dad’s not Christian de-Courtney? It felt so odd to meet people who knew her dad; she’d never quite gotten used to it.

Yeah, that’s him, she croaked. Damn it, here come the tears. Sorry, err... The boy looked around the table in sheer panic, looking for someone to help him. Charlie, luckily, broke the silence.

Jack, you’re such an insensitive idiot... Hey, maybe we can come round one evening, order some food and watch a film? She gently rubbed April’s arm, smiling encouragingly. April tried her hardest to smile, Yeah... sure. The rest of the table were all