Hidden Treasures

Lydia had her weekend free it was time to relax and move at one’s own pace. Her partner Derek lay snoozing in the bed room of their small apartment overlooking Canary-Wharf. The place had cost them an arm and a leg, it had a nice ring to the post code. Closing her eyes Lydia switched on the shower reaching for the purple liquid. Rubbing the gel all over her, a nice musky smell. Has the water run she felt in heaven with the rich foam? She let her mind wonder, purple always had been a favorite color of hers?

She thought about Prince the artist, poor man had been gone for a few years now. Remembering seeing him in concert the floor show had been spectacular? With flashing lights to blend with his dancing and music. A shame that he had died so young? His song Purple Rain would live on. Her parents had often remised about the late Jimmy Hendrix and his song Purple Haze It was at one of the Wood- stock festivals that Lydia had been conceived. Thinking about her parents now in their early seventies she would let that thought slip away.

Shower over a quick rub down time to face the day? Has she entered the bedroom, Derek rolled over in his sleep, Lydia would let him be. Quietly she opened the wardrobe dressing in jeans and a top. A walk to the bakery would do her good. Fresh croissants with blueberry jam and time with Derek. Treasured moments when they had time for each other to relax and unwind away from the smell of sweat as everyone pressed together on the tube to work.

Her mother had told her as you get older you appreciate the little things in life now in her mid-fifties she understood this. Heading for the park it was early morning soon the Saturday morning peace would be disturbed by children happy to play on the swings and slide. On this early Spring morning Lydia noticed the first green leaves appearing on the plants there was a scattering of small snow drops hidden under the green leaves growing wildly upon the park land.

Lydia removed her mobile phone from its case. Hidden treasures she thought as she took a picture of these first blooms of Spring with her phone. She hoped that no one trod on these small treasures. Walking through the park towards the bakery the air smelled fresh on her face. Crossing the road from the park she could smell the bakery. Collecting her order from the bakery assistant, she thought about going back through the park. To pick some of these early morning blooms, then she thought better not, give them time to grow in peace.

She felt good about herself the fresh air and seeing these early morning treasures had made her feel good, wiping away any thoughts of Winter blues. Spring and the growth of nature had always interested her. Would Derek be awake when she arrived home or would she surprise him.

Thinking how they would spend their day together she turned her key in the lock of their apartment. She could smell the aroma of fresh coffee and it smelt good. Derek was a treasure and she was lucky to have him after her stormy break up with Phil. Derek asked no questions about why she would travel to Greenwich early morning for croissants rather than shop local. He also understood how keen she was about searching through charity shops for the odd necklace or small mento. Yes, she had a good one in Derek, they trusted each other.

Maybe they would go for a walk later and she would show him the snowdrops, or they would meet up with friends later in the day in one of the many bistros. Derek would be surprised to find that Lydia had returned without the odd picture or piece of jewelry. Derek was quiet and good natured finding the time to listen to her. Arriving home often with a bunch of flowers, to surprise her. A smile appeared on her face as Derek handed her a cup of coffee. She would tell him all about her hidden treasures.