Love and Life in the Isles of Scilly

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Disclaimer

The names, places, and events in the story, "Love and Life in the Scilly Isles," are fiction. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is coincidental.

Love and Life in the Isles of Scilly -- Part One By, Borehamwoodman

The sea breeze carried a faint scent of brine as it brushed against my cheek, stirring the unruly strands of my hair. I had arrived at the cottage, the only sign of civilization on Annet, a tiny speck in the vast oceanic expanse that made up the Isles of Scilly. The cottage was quaint, with its whitewashed stones and a thatched roof that looked as if it had been plucked straight from a postcard. The solitude was palpable, a stark contrast to the city life I'd left behind, but it was exactly what I needed after the tumultuous end of my marriage.

Inside, the cottage was cozy, with two bedrooms, a living area that doubled as a kitchen, and a porch that overlooked the sea. The furnishings were sparse, yet inviting, with a well-worn armchair positioned by the fireplace, and a round wooden table that had seen better days.

My groceries would be delivered every Saturday, weather permitting and I had my writing to keep me going along with a radio that allowed me to keep up with the news from the outside world. I had come out as bi after my wife discovered my secret life and she hadn't taken it too well. In fact, she took it so badly that divorce followed with a financial settlement that made her feel suitably compensated.

The island was providing me with "me time" to think about my future and I was lucky enough to be financially stable with no need to work having inherited a substantial amount of money. The divorce had taken a chunk, but it still left me with more money than most folks will ever earn in a lifetime.

So, the island was mine for twelve months and having unpacked my possessions, restored order and neatness I had started to enjoy the life with my daily walks along the shoreline. The beauty of the island was unlike anything I had ever seen. The clear water shimmered like a vast, untouched jewel, kissing the pristine white sand that stretched out before me in an unblemished embrace.

The only downside was the wind. It was a constant presence, a fickle companion that whispered through the grasses and danced around the cottage. Sometimes it was a gentle zephyr, a soft sigh that barely stirred the pages of my book as I sat outside in the early evening, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Other times, it grew into a fierce gale, howling like a banshee as it pounded the windows, making the cottage creak and groan as if it were alive.

But the wind also brought a sense of freedom, a wildness that mirrored my own newfound liberation. And so, I embraced it, letting it ruffle through my hair as I strolled along the beach, the fabric of my longline t-shirts fluttering around me like the gossamer wings of a moth. The softness of the Egyptian cotton against my skin was a revelation, a silent declaration of my intent to live more authentically. The shirts dropped to just above my knees giving the appearance of being a dress or a kaftan to the lesser knowing and I wore my y-fronts for protection from the draft. I had always felt confined by the expectations of others, by the need to conform to a certain mould. Now, with nothing but the sea and sky as my audience, I could dress as I liked without fear of judgment.

My walks grew longer and more adventurous as the days passed. I explored hidden coves and clambered over rocky outcrops, the salty spray of the waves kissing my skin as they crashed against the shore. The rugged beauty of the island spoke to me in a way that the polished concrete jungles of the city never could. It was a stark, raw reminder of the vastness of the world beyond my own narrow experiences, and it filled me with a sense of wonder and peace that I hadn't felt in an exceptionally long time.

At night, the sky unfolded above me like an inky canvas, studded with stars that twinkled with a fierce intensity, unblemished by the light pollution of the city. The moon waxed and waned, casting a silver path across the water that led to the horizon. It was as if the universe had painted a picture just for me, a silent declaration of its boundless beauty and complexity. I would sit on the porch, my chair tilted back and let the chorus of the night wash over me.

One afternoon, as the sun dipped towards the horizon, I decided to venture further along the coast. The tide was out, exposing a stretch of beach that was usually hidden by the lapping waves. As I approached a rocky cove, a flash of colour caught my eye. A small motorboat, vivid against the monochromatic landscape, was pulled up onto the shore. Curiosity piqued, I quickened my pace, the sand giving way beneath my feet. As I drew closer, I saw a figure bobbing in the water, snorkelling gear strapped to their face, exploring the underwater world just beyond the rocks.

But what was truly unusual was what I saw when the figure emerged from the water. It was a boy, no older than seventeen or eighteen, his lithe form glistening with seawater. I realised with a start that he was naked. His skin was pale and flawless, a stark contrast to the dark hair that framed his face and trailed down his chest, tapering to a V before disappearing beneath the waves. He looked up and spotted me, and for a moment, our eyes locked. I felt a jolt of something unnameable, a mix of attraction and the thrill of the unexpected. He waved, unselfconscious, his smile as bright as the coral I imagined lay beneath the surface of the water.

He waded to the shore, the snorkel and mask dangling from his neck, and I took in the sight of him. His eyes were a piercing shade of blue that reminded me of the ocean on a sunny day. He had a certain androgyny about him, a softness that was undeniably alluring. He was beautiful, in a way that seemed almost untouched by the world, and I felt a strange kinship with him in that moment. It was as if we were the only two people on the planet, discovering each other during this untouched paradise.

"You look funny in that dress!" he shouted, laughter bubbling up from his chest. The words hung in the air, a blend of teasing and innocence that made me smile despite myself. I looked down at my outfit, the longline t-shirt that had indeed been mistaken for a dress. "It's a longline shirt," I called back, feeling a blush creep up my neck. "It's the latest fashion, you know, and I think you look funnier in your birthday suit."

The boy's approach was infectious, and I found myself relaxing in his presence, the tension of my isolation melting away. "I'm Leo," he introduced himself, holding out a hand that was still wet with seawater.

"Steve," I said, taking his hand in mine. The contact was electric, sending a shiver up my spine that I did my best to suppress. "What brings you to Annet?"

"Oh, I come here all the time," Leo replied, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's the only place where I can truly be myself." He gestured to the boat. "My uncle gave me the boat, so I come here to think and swim and hopefully to catch dinner which if successful, I cook on the beach. It's my own little slice of heaven."

"You're not afraid of being out here alone?" I asked, intrigued by his confidence and freedom.

Leo shrugged, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "The only thing I'm afraid of is boredom." He bent down, grabbing a towel from his boat and began to dry off, his movements fluid and uninhibited. "But the island keeps me company."

"Where are your clothes, I can't see any in the boat?"

Leo smiled as he responded, "Oh, I left those on the other island where I live. No real need to wear clothes here unless it's cold but today was warm enough so I only brought a t-shirt."

I couldn't help but stare at his lean, toned body, the muscles in his arms flexing as he towelled off. The sight of him was like a cool drink on a sweltering day, something I hadn't allowed myself in so long. "You come here alone?"

"Yeah, my uncle doesn't really get it," he said, his voice filled with a hint of sadness that I recognized all too well. "He thinks I'm just playing hooky." He chuckled, but there was an edge to it, a bitterness that hinted at deeper troubles. "But here, I can be... me."

Leo's words resonated with me. After my own tumultuous coming out, the idea of a place where one could truly be themselves was intoxicating. "I know what you mean," I said softly, the wind carrying my words to him. "Sometimes, it's the only way to feel alive, isn't it?"

He nodded, his eyes searching mine. "You do, don't you?" He stepped closer, and I could see the curiosity in his gaze, the unspoken question of my own journey to this solitary island.

I sat down on the dry sand taking my packet of cigarettes out of my y-fronts that provided the only pocket to carry anything. "You want one?" I asked.

"Don't mind if I do but don't tell anyone," As he took one and lit it with my lighter, passing it back afterwards.

I looked around in a symbolic act of making sure we were on our own. "I guess your secret will remain so," I responded laughing gently at the chance of being caught.

Leo, still naked, sat down on the sand with me enjoying the moment as we starred out to sea, watching the sun growing lower as dusk started to change the colours of the islands.

"Tell me, what are you wearing because I really like it?" Leo asked.

I looked down at my t-shirt, feeling a bit self-conscious. "It's a longline shirt. I just felt like something loose and comfortable today."

Leo's eyes sparkled with mischief. "But it does look like a dress," he said, taking a drag of his cigarette. "Do you like wearing dresses?"

I felt a rush of warmth to my cheeks. "I like the comfort," I admitted, trying to keep my tone casual. "And it's not like there's anyone around to judge me here and it's not a dress, it's a gentleman's long shirt, sometimes confused with a nightshirt."

Leo leaned back on his elbows, his legs stretched out in the sand, a picture of pure relaxation. "Oh, is that so. Well whatever, that's the best part about this place," he said, blowing out a ring of smoke. "You can be whatever you want."

We talked and smoked for a at least an hour, the sun setting in a fiery blaze behind us, leaving a trail of molten gold across the sky. The stars began to emerge, the air grew cooler, and I felt a strange kinship with Leo, this young man who had stumbled into my solitary existence.

"It's getting late Leo, shouldn't you be returning to your home on the other island?"

"It's okay," he replied, a hint of defiance in his voice. "I've done this a hundred times. The boat's fast, and I know these waters like the back of my hand. Besides, I don't have a curfew anymore because I have my own place now having moved out. My parents died when I was young, and my uncle raised me. He's not a fan of me at the moment and we had a few rows, and it was better to move out than continue the arguments." He took another drag of his cigarette, his gaze lingering on me. "You know, you're the first person I've talked to in a long time about stuff like this. You make me feel so comfortable."

I nodded, understanding his need for escape and acceptance. "It's a tough world out there," I said, my voice gentle. "But here, we can be whoever we want to be as you suggest. Anyway, look, I'm worried about you leaving in the dark. If you have no pressing engagements, you are welcome to stay the night. I have another bedroom, and we can chat and eat together."

Leo's eyes lit up with excitement as he laughed. "Oh, you're so formal," he said, his laughter echoing off the surrounding rocks. "But yes, I'd love to stay."

"Great and I'm sorry if I sound a bit stuffy. Grab your t-shirt and let's go, I'm getting hungry."

Leo's eyes darted to the boat then back to me. "You really mean it? You don't mind me staying over?"

"Nope, not at all. We can be ourselves and enjoy some friendly conversation and reasonable food. It's a shame you didn't catch any fish today but there's always tomorrow as they say."

Leo's smile was warm as he grabbed his t-shirt and slid it over his head, the fabric clinging to his still damp skin.

"Leo, you look very funny in just your t-shirt, if only your uncle could see you now."

Leo giggled, "I know, right? But he's not exactly the most open-minded person. I don't think he'd appreciate the look."

We laughed together with that comment, the amusement of the situation summing up the difference in society's approach to nudity as he followed me back to the cottage, the sound of our footsteps and the occasional pebble skipping across the sand the only noise to break the quiet of the evening.

The cottage, with its warm glow from the windows, beckoned us like a welcoming embrace. As we stepped inside, Leo couldn't help but let out a low whistle of appreciation. "Wow, this place is amazing!" He spun around in the small living area, his bare feet leaving damp sandy footprints on the wooden floor.

I chuckled, feeling a sense of pride in the sanctuary I'd created for myself. "It's not much, but it's home for now," I said, leading him to the kitchen. "Now, go and have a shower whilst I make dinner and perhaps afterwards, we can enjoy a bottle of wine and watch the stars."

Leo nodded eagerly, disappearing into the bathroom. The sound of the shower was soon accompanied by his humming, a sweet melody that floated through the cottage. I took the opportunity to prepare a simple meal of pasta with a jar of sauce and a side salad. As I worked, my thoughts drifted to the unexpected turn of events. A teenage boy, naked and unabashed, had entered my world, and in that moment, I felt less alone than I had in an exceptionally long time.

Leo came into the kitchen naked, his body clean, tanned, and amazing. "Steve, I don't suppose you have anything I can put on? My t-shirt smells of the sea and sweat."

"Of course I have," as I popped into my bedroom and got him a burgundy longline t-shirt. "Slip that on and see if you like it."

He took the shirt from my outstretched hand, his eyes lighting up as he examined the soft material. "It's lovely and soft," he exclaimed as he slipped it over his head, his voice filled with excitement as he performed a twirl for me to enjoy, which I did very much, admiring his body and effeminate manner.

Dinner was served outside under the twinkling stars. The patio was a simple affair, two wooden chairs and a small table, but it was all we needed. The air was filled with the aroma of garlic and tomatoes from the pasta sauce, mingling with the briny scent of the sea. We sat across from each other, the only sounds the clinking of silverware against plates and the occasional laugh as we shared stories of our lives.

With dinner finished we cleared the table and resumed our conversation enjoying the wine and setting under the stars until I plucked up the courage to ask the question that had been on my mind since I first saw Leo.

"Leo, can I ask you something? You don't seem like the usual island boy, how old are you and tell me more about yourself and please, ask me anything you want, I shall answer you truthfully."

Leo, sat in silence thinking about what I had just asked and spoke.

"I'm seventeen," he said finally, his eyes meeting mine with a directness that belied his age. "I know it's weird that I come out here alone, but like you, I needed a break." He took a sip of his wine, his gaze never wavering. "I've been out for a year now, but my uncle... he's not exactly supportive. He doesn't get me, you know?"

"How did you come out and don't you have any friends on the islands you can spend time with?" I asked.

Leo's smile faltered for a moment before regaining its brightness. "I came out to my friends at school. They were cool about it, but it's different here on the islands. Everyone knows everyone, and they all have their opinions. And my uncle... well, let's just say he's from a different time." He took another sip of wine, the candlelight casting shadows across his youthful face. "But you know what? I'm happy here, with the sea and the stars as my companions."

"Don't you find it hard not having any gay friends on the island?" I asked gently, the question hanging in the air like a shy bird hovering over a cliff.

Leo's expression grew solemn. "Yeah, it's tough. But I've learned to cherish the moments when I can be myself. Like now." His eyes searched my face, a silent question lingering there. "What about you, Steve? What brought you here?"

I took a deep breath, the cool evening air filling my lungs. "I just got out of a marriage," I said, the words feeling heavier than I had anticipated. "My wife found out I was bi, and it didn't go down well. The divorce was very messy."

Leo's expression softened, his eyes filled with empathy. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said, his voice low and sincere. "But I'm also happy you found this place. Maybe it's just what you need."

I nodded, taking a sip of wine to ease the sudden tightness in my throat. "Maybe it is," I replied, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders. "It's certainly beautiful here."

Leo's gaze remained on me, his eyes searching, as if looking for something deeper in my words. "Beautiful things can be found in the most unexpected places," he said, his voice a gentle murmur.

As the night grew cooler, we retreated indoors, the candles casting a warm glow throughout the cottage. We chatted for a while longer, our conversation drifting from the mundane to the profound. "Leo, I think it's time for bed. You have the second bedroom, and you should be quite comfortable and feel free to use the long shirt as a nightshirt. I shall see you in the morning."

Leo nodded, a hint of shyness in his eyes. "Thanks, Steve," he said, standing up from the chair. "This has been... amazing."

We both headed to our separate bedrooms, the silence of the cottage wrapping around us like a warm blanket. As I lay in bed, listening to the distant sound of the waves, my thoughts turned to the young man in the room next to mine. His youthful exuberance was both invigorating and poignant, a stark reminder of the innocence that I had lost in the tumult of my recent past.

Continues in Part Two