The Beach Cottage

Mike and his girlfriend Molly are going to a beach cottage for a weekend and ask Rob to join them. At the last minute, Molly also invites a work colleague, Penny to also come. Neither of the two invited ones knows about the other coming.

Mike & Molly pull up outside Rob’s apartment and honk the horn. He comes out with his things and throws them into the back of his SUV. He notices a head in the back seat, then a surprised face looking at him. He gets into the back seat and there sits Penny.
Molly turns around: We have a surprise. Rob, this is Penny. We invited Penny last minute.
Penny doesn’t seem impressed and after an insipid smile, looks ahead impassively. Mike and Molly try to keep the atmosphere light and Rob engages with them but Penny only speaks when addressed.

They get to the cottage and while old, is well maintained. The location is ideal, the sound of the waves on the beach soothing. On entering, they are greeted by a small lounge area. The kitchen is minimalist and a basic dining suite is up against a wall.
The main bedroom has a double bed and the second bedroom a bunk set.
Mike: Oh, we didn’t think about the sleeping arrangements. I hope you two don’t mind sharing the bunks?
Penny: Really Mike, this is too much!
Molly: We are so sorry about this. What are we going to do?
Rob: I’m open minded on this but understand if Penny isn’t so comfortable about it.
Penny: I’m open minded! I’ll have the top bunk if you don’t mind.

They all unpack. Rob puts his sleeping bag on the lower bunk and his clothes he leaves in his bag. The food he brought he takes into the kitchen. The others do the same and they make supper. They light the fire and eat with their plates on their laps. While Mike and Molly go into their bedroom to make the bed up, Polly and Rob are left together.
Rob: I get the impression Polly you were as surprised as I was to find a fourth traveller.
Penny: Yes, I was hoping for a quiet trip, my own room and some space to unwind.
Rob: I’m sorry. I’ll bear that in mind. What sort of work do you do Polly?
Penny: I’m a waitress if you must know. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to take a walk along the beach before it gets dark.

Rob lets her go and after a few minutes he also go out but sits on the beach. Mike and Molly join him.
Mike: Isn’t it lovely hearing the waves crashing on the sand?
Molly: Sure is. She looks at Penny now some distance away. We should have told you we invited her. I work with her and she’s had a recent break up with her boyfriend of some years. She’s a bit anti male at the moment.
Rob: No problem. I appreciate you inviting me.
They sit and enjoy and as it becomes dark, Polly arrives back.
Penny: Sorry I’ve been a bit distant. I’ve been struggling in social settings.

They all head for bed. Penny goes first and once on the top bunk, Rob enters & change into his sleepwear. Rob doesn’t hide and he senses Penny peeking but he doesn’t mind.

His sleep is fitful and he hears Penny gingerly coming down the ladder at about 11pm.
He whispers: Can’t you sleep either?
Penny: No, I’m going for a drink. Do you want one?
Rob: Thanks, I’ll join you.

The two of them sit in the lounge, initially quiet and a bit shy. Polly decides to break the silence.
Polly: My break up with my boyfriend affected me far more than I realised.
Rob: I'm sorry for what you went through. Do you want to talk about it?
Penny: I'm not sure. But I need to. He was controlling and manipulating. He was even physically abusive once.
Rob: Bad. So you decided to end it?
Penny: No, he dumped me for another girl.
Rob: Yet through all of that, it's still difficult to walk away?
Penny: I know. That's the hardest part. I still love him.
Rob: Would you have him back?
Penny: It didn't work out with his new girlfriend and he's tried to come back but I've resisted.
Rob: Good for you. An abusive relationship is toxic. I guess he's promised he's changed and it will be different next time.
Penny: That's exactly what he says.
Rob: I can't say it isn't true but unless he's received professional help, he probably isn't going to change.
Penny: I know that. So do you have anyone?
Rob: No. I have had casual girlfriends, more as a date for a party. Nothing serious.
Penny pauses, then speaks: I'm sorry for being grumpy earlier.
Rob: It's okay. Now I know you're hurt, it becomes understandable.
Penny: You are kind. Maybe we can enjoy the weekend after all.

They go back to their bunks. The next day, the atmosphere is much better. Polly is in a good space. Mike and Rob go for a walk along the beach.
Mike: Rob, I'm sorry we didn't tell you about Penny.
Rob: She opened up last night and I think the trip has done her good. Nothing to apologise for.

Meanwhile, the two ladies go and sit on the beach.
Molly to Penny: You seem happier today.
Penny: Rob was understanding last night. He listened. He didn't try to tell me what to do. He just listened and gave some support.
Molly: Rob's a good listener.
Penny: He is. He's given me a lot to think about.
Molly: So, you and Rob?
Penny: Too soon Molly.

They all meet up for lunch and the afternoon is spent swimming and sunbathing. As evening arrives, they have a BBQ. Penny and Rob sit alone while Mike and Molly go into the cottage.
Penny: I'm curious Rob. Most guys in a relaxed setting like this would be annoyingly over friendly if they liked a lady. You don't feel that way toward me?
Rob: I grew up in a religious home. I didn't follow my parents' faith but their standards on sex and morals still influence me. I am also respectful to women in that I don't see them as a conquest or someone to use for pleasure. In fact, I'm still a virgin. Crazy in my mid 20's I know.
Penny: Not crazy at all. I think that's admirable.
Rob: So it's not that I don't like you, I think you're very nice. I'm also shy around women, so I can come across as disinterested romantically.
Penny: That's refreshing.
Mike comes out: There's a band playing at the local pub. Shall we go?
Penny: I'd love to.

They arrive at the pub and Mike and Molly sit at a table while Penny and Rob go to the bar.
Penny: Rob, I'd like to get to know you better.
Rob: I'd like that. I can't believe I'm feeling this way so soon but there is something open and genuine about you that I feel know you well already.
Penny: I know. This feels so natural. So easy. So right.
Rob: We have to also accept that there is still much to learn. But I'd love to continue our friendship after we get back to civilisation.
Penny: I'd love that too. I told Molly earlier it's too soon for this sort of thing and yet here I am doing the opposite. 
Rob smiles: We can take it slowly.

They go back to the cottage for their last night. As Penny and Rob go into their bedroom, Rob almost feels awkward. Penny sits on the top bunk changing and Rob on the lower one. She leans her head over and looks down at me.
Penny: I'm glad Molly invited us.
Rob: Me too.

The next day they pack up, have one last walk along the beach all together. Penny kicks water at Rob and he reciprocates. The drive home is so much better. Penny even reaches out and holds Rob’s hand for part of the journey. Mike looks through the rear vision mirror and smiles. They drop Rob off first.
Rob: Thanks for an amazing weekend guys. I'll text you Penny and we can go out soon if you want.
Penny: I'd like that.
Mike: See ya Rob.
Molly: Bye Rob. She gives Rob a thumbs up and a wink. He waves them off and enters his apartment. After unpacking, he showers and then sits down to relax. His phone pings.
Penny: Hi Rob. Just wanted to say again that I had a great time. I'd love to see you soon.
Rob: I'll hold you to that. He hangs up and smiles.

Northumbria

Leif and Asta have just married and live in a Norse longhouse. Arable land is scarce and thinking of a large family to come, they are concerned about the future. They consider emigrating to Northumbria, England.

Asta: We can't keep pretending this land will feed us, let alone our children.
Leif: I know. We have a choice to make. Stay here or find elsewhere to live. More arable land and hopefully a milder climate. I heard from sailors about Northumbria. It offers all that we wish for.
Asta: Sailors exaggerate. How can we trust their tales?
Leif: The stories are consistent among many. I'm willing to chance it. The issue is how to afford it. We haven't the money, but we have jewellery items and I could become a labourer onboard a ship.
Asta: We have to do it now. It will only get harder with a family.
Leif: Let's go down to the coast and see if we can convince a captain to accept what we can offer.
Asta: If we do this, we must be ready to start over. No complaining about what we leave behind.
Leif: Our children will be Englars. Laughs. We must try and if we cannot secure a passage, then we still have somewhere to live back here.

The young couple gather a few items of value and food, then they travel the short distance to the coast. They see a cargo boat ready to set sail and approach hurriedly to the captain, who is ready to give orders to depart.
Leif: Excuse me sir. I am Leif and my new bride Asta. We are seeking passage to Ángulland.
The captain looks at these two young people, suspecting they have little to offer.
Captain: And what do you have to pay me with?
Asta: We have a silver pendant and a ring and we can work during the voyage to earn our keep. Asta keeps back some of the items in case the price is higher and needs to offer more items.
Leif: I am not large of stature but am deceptively strong and hard working.
Captain: You understand this will be rough living conditions?
Asta: We understand. We are used to harshness.
Captain: Alright. You can board but you will be sleeping wherever there is space.
Leif: Thank you. Asta hands over the jewelery items and they board, suspecting that being a late arrival worked in their favour. The captain already has enough payment to make the voyage and this was a bonus. Maybe he takes pity on them as well.
Captain: Leif, come with me. You will indeed earn your keep. We need to get going while conditions are favourable.
Asta finds a place near another few families while Leif helps with rigging. The winds are kind and the seas not too choppy but some are seasick along the way. The journey takes just four and a half days.

They reach the shore in Northumbria and disembark. There is a well settled town on the banks of a river. It is bustling with trade and fish mongers along the waterfront. As they move into the town, they see narrow streets and general vendors selling many basic goods. They get temporary shelter at a monastery.
Leif: Spring won't last for long. We need to get to a farming area and grow some crops before winter.
Asta: There is plenty of land around here but we need to secure permission from whoever owns it.

They move to an area and seek permission for some land from the local lord. He agrees to give them a plot in return for three days labour per week for him. He provides for them some simple accommodation in the form of a wooden hut. He also provides a bundle of seed for crops. They get settled, plant their seed and help on the Lord's land as agreed. They sow oats and barley at first. The winter sown wheat and rye seed is stored for planting later.

Leif: So what do you think? The seeds are starting to sprout already. This land is indeed productive.
Asta: I will believe it when we have food to store for the winter. Until then, we must work hard. There are still some silver pendants left. We must keep them for emergencies.

The crop comes and the agree amount that the lord exacts to be paid. In this case mainly made up of bread, cheese and ale. A few animals that were procured over time provided dairy products.

Winter arrives and the stored food is reasonable but not excessive. Wheat and rye seed is planted but now there is more time on their hands. They get together with other peasant farmers for some dancing and music. Ale is plentiful.

A few good years are eventually followed by a poor season.
Leif: I think we have enough food for now but another poor crop next year and we will be in trouble. We need to economise on food consumption, now that we have a baby and another on the way.
Asta: I wonder if we can get more land further inland. Some people are moving west to claim land. There is also talk of war and you may be recruited.
Leif: I was wondering about moving. Can you travel with a child on the way?
Asta: It's better to have the baby first but winter is coming and we have little choice.
Leif: I made a small cart that I can haul stored grain and a few household items. I will speak with neighbours to see if others will join us. Safety in numbers.
Asta looks at Leif with admiration: You always have a plan.

They uproot and move into a valley some miles away. They get a similar arrangement as before and are soon settled. It seems good and they are soon better off than before.

As time passes, on the birth of their fifth child, Asta gets an infection of the uterus after delivery which escalates into full-blown sepsis. She dies, leaving Leif a father without the support of a wife. He mourns the loss of Asta but he is in dire straits so must act quickly.

Leif goes to a neighbour: I need a wife. You have a daughter of marriable age. Edith.
Neighbour: She is young but another mouth for us to feed. You have land and a house. It is better she goes to a neighbour we know and trust. It is a good match.
Leif: I have five children as you know.
Neighbour: She is strong, hard working and Edith will do well with them.
Leif: It is agreed.

The ceremony involves the couple exchanging vows and simple rings with witnesses present. A village feast ensues, bride-ale is consumed in quantity and a bedding ritual follows. The next morning, it is all on, with five hungry mouths to feed and care fo. Leif off to work in the fields. Later that night, the newly weds have their first chance to talk.
Leif: Edith, did your day go well?
Edith: Your children are all beautiful. The youngest was crying a lot but the eldest was very helpful. There is much for me to learn.
Leif: You have experience, helping your mother with your younger siblings.
Edith: It's not the same as being in charge.
Leif: You will do well. You will soon have your own children as well.
Edith blushes: It is the way of things.
Leif: They will be as lovely as their mother.
Edith smiles: I will try to be a good wife to you.