I got yelled at

-          You knew she was here? Who do you think you are? How dare you Mason??- He was hitting hard.

I stayed quiet and let him continue.

-          Why didn´t you tell me?  Answer me?

-          Edward, this is what I do. I´m responsible for your FAMILY`S security. I didn´t hide anything from you, I found out that she was here minutes before you enter my room to tell me we were coming here. I had to make sure it was her before informing you, I was shock to learn that Deborah´s appointment was with Edith´s husband.

-          Still, you lied to me. I entered your room that day and you didn’t say anything.- He was mad.

-          Yes I lied but with a good reason. Look around you, see that she managed to move on and reconstruct her life. She has a family.- I was pleading

-          We agreed to meet; I need you to find a private place so we can talk. I need you to inform her all the details and we´ll be extending our stay a week. Send Deborah home.

-          Edward, don´t do this.

-          Do as you´re told and do your job. Understood?

And for what seemed like ages, Edward Woods was treating me as an employee instead of family.

-          Yes, Sir.

I took Deborah to the airport after their dinner. She seemed hopeful after this visit; she seemed relieved that she was finally getting a chance with Edward if she would give him a child.

Poor soul, poor ignorant soul.

I gave him the keys of the house he would held his private encounter, I emailed Edith with the address. I washed my hands with what this reunion would bring because I was not going to prevent it anymore.

She arrived on time but none of them knew I was there listening

-          Good evening, Mrs. Carpenter. - Edward said.

-          Good evening.

-          Care for some wine? - He was charming her.

-          No need Sir, I´ll be quick since I have to go back to my family.- She was not  falling for his crap.

-          Fair  then, Is Noah my son? - He was straight and I was having a heart attack…what???

-          Yes.

-          Why did you keep this from me? - He was destroyed.

-          Because Senior would have destroyed him for being a bastard. - She was on point.

-          Who cares what he thinks??? I´m his dad!! He´s our son, Edith!

-          No, Edward. Christopher is his dad, you´re his birth father. Please let this go, it won´t be good for Noah. Please Edward! You promise me you would not talk to anyone about this.

-          How about what´s good for me?? Does anyone in this filthy world care about me??

-          There was a time when I did Edward but now I have to care for his wellbeing. You know what you´re dad is capable of doing.

-          Yes, I also know what you´re capable of too.

-          For Noah´s safety, you have no idea.

-          Does your husband know? - he asked.

-          He adopted Noah, he knows the dad it´s out there somewhere and he hasn´t questioned me for my past but I don´t intend to keep this from him.

I heard Edward walking and Edith stepping backwards.

-          Edith, please let me be in that boy´s life.-He was begging like he had never done before.

-          What good would that be for him? Please think!-She was sharp as I never heard her being before.

-          I will leave Deborah if you ask me to.-He was all out.

-          I will never ask you that. That poor woman doesn´t deserve it. She´s trying to give you a family while you´re here trying to destroy that chance.-she said.

-          You don´t love me anymore? - I bet he was giving her the worry eyes.

-          Yes, I do. More than you´ll ever know but I also need to protect our son…from you, from me, from us.

-          I see but I don´t understand why you won´t let me try to set things right for us. I have missed ten years of his life, are you planning to keep me from him? I don´t see this fair for me.

It sounded like their heavy breathing was slowing down and that she sat down. I was eavesdropping and I should be ashamed but I also had to keep my security status on point and now Noah Carpenter had joined that scope. I owe it to Edward and I definitely owe it to Edith.

-          Ok, stay for his birthday. - Even I was surprised by her answer.

-          Yes, when is it?

-          Tomorrow.

-          He was born on April, 5^th like my mom?- Yes, may  Mrs. Gretchen rest in  peace.

-          Yes.

-          Thank you Edith. - He sounded grateful.

-          On Monday we´ll be going to Africa because he wants to accompany me to a Medical Outreach,  we´ll be gone for a month but afterward I promise to send you pictures of him and updates. Is this enough?

-          It´s more of what I can ask considering our current state. He does seem really smart and proper; you guys have done a wonderful job.

-          We´re trying but I have to get ready when he starts asking about you.- Her tone now shifted to worried.

-          Don´t worry, we´ll figurate out together and if you´ll let me, I would like to speak to Christopher about it. - He responded.

-          Ok but I need to talk to him first. He would have questions for me for sure.-

Silence. Then he talks.

-          Edith, I don´t care that you would slap me.

There was struggle at the beginning for a while, then silence  again and then a very strong slap.

-          You will not do that ever again, do you hear me? - She was furious.

-          Ok, I will wait for you to ask me to do it the next time.

-          Dream on Woods!!

I heard the footsteps and a slamming door following her. That woman was definitely Edward Woods Kryptonite.

Mason, the watcher.

TO BE CONTINUE

Cosmic collisions.

According to the Internet “Cosmic Collision happens when astronomical bodies, such as comets, asteroids, planets, or even galaxies come into contact. The craters from impacts of comets and asteroids on the moon and other terrestrial surfaces in our solar system offer testimony that such impacts have been numerous and violent”. 

Oh why didn´t I see this coming?

“Astronomers have known for years that our Milky Way and its closest neighbor, the Andromeda galaxy, (a.k.a M31) are being pulled together in a gravitational dance, but no one was sure whether the galaxies would collide head-on or glide past one another”.

This is Noah´s assignment for school but it feels more like my present life. No matter how much I hide in the end we´ll collide, we´ll be “pulled together in a gravitational dance” but I wish for us to “probably glide past one another”. The conversation with Mason has being hunting me down all day.

Edward is here, I don´t know where but here.

I try to occupy myself with all the house shores, the foundation meetings through Skype, organizing Noah´s birthday for the weekend and then our trip to Africa. The day is almost over, I picked up Noah from afternoon school, we return to the house to get ready to go to Chris office.

Ruben drops us in the front of the 10 story building; we take the elevator and hit the 9^th floor.

Chris always wanted the roof top view so the clinic occupies the 9^th and 10^th floor so he would get his city sunsets. When the elevator opens, Rose greets and takes us to Chris private office; we usually wait there while he finishes his consults, passing the glass corridor some electric current hits my face and I turn right to look. Dooms day has arrived.

We briefly looked  at each other and he raised his hand. I passed by and enter the office. I can´t feel my legs, I can´t breathe, I can´t move.

-          Mrs. Carpenter,  he would be with you in a few minutes; meanwhile he has asked me to  tell you that his friend´s husband is waiting alone outside and if you could kindly keep him company while he join both  of you.- she shoots me right there in my heart.

-          Su..Sure Rose, please let him in.-

How am I going to talk under this state of mind?

Rose opens the door, he enters and we both stay quiet. Our silence gets interrupted by my son´s politeness.

-          Good Evening how do you do, I´m Noah. - Noah extends his hands and introduces himself.

-          Hi Noah, My name is Edward Woods. How do you do? - He shakes his hand and looks at me.

-          This is my mom, Edith. Mr. Edward are you from England?-

-          Well, yes I am. Very clever young man. How do you do Mrs. Carpenter.- He extend his hands and holds mine for eternity.

-          Hello Mr. Woods, Nice meeting you.- And I force my hand out of his to avoid fainting.

Rose enters the room to bring beverages for Noah and coffee for us, I interrupt her.

-          Rose, our guest would prefer an Earl Gray tea please. Noah can you accompany Rose and get some of the history books you love from the studio.

-          Ok Mom. See you Mr. Woods.

Edward agrees with his head. They both leave the room and I finally have the courage to face him.

-          You planned this? Sending Mason to my house this morning and then coming here? How dare you Edward!!!

-          Mason what?? What are you talking about?? I have looked for you everywhere and no clues or signs of you. You left me remember! You left ME!

-          Because you were married and your father almost killed my mother. I wasn´t going to stay and let him ruin my life more than it was.-I spit, yes Senior is a monster.

-          Your life was ruined, what about mine?? What about mine????- He raised his voice.

-          Edward control yourself, it´s not just us anymore!

-          Fine… agree to see me. Please! We need to talk in private. Please.

Before I could answer we were not alone anymore, Christopher returned with Noah and Mrs. Woods.

-          We´re ready for Dinner?  Honey, Please meet my dear friend Debbie. Debbie, please meet my Edith.- He said as we both shaked hands and I saw Edward´s look when he heard my husband´s introduction.

-          Debbie, this is my son Noah. - She hugs my son and Christopher decides to speak too much.- As I told you Debbie,  these two were my salvation. I adopted Noah when he was 1 year old and I would do it again.

I started looking at the ground to ask it´s mercy and be swallowed until no one could see me. When I raised my eyes Edward´s expression was inexplicable and looking straight at Noah.

-           Ok, Who´s ready for some Dinner.- Christopher said.

-          I´m starving CC.- Deborah Woods said

CC? oh yeah, Christopher Carpenter.

We took the first elevator but it was full so Debbie, Noah and Chris went first. Once again I was left alone with Edward.

-          Edith, I´m running wild in my thoughts right now and I would like to avoid a scene. Can you agree to meet me and explain all of this because I just can´t process it.

-          If I agree to meet you in private, would promise to never tell anyone what we discuss in our meeting. 

- I made him swear.

-          Yes, I promise.

-          Fine, where do you want to meet? And please don´t tell me in the hotel you´re staying, ok?

He suppressed a smile and agreed.

A very shocked Edith Carpenter.

TO BE CONTINUE

When expecting longer than expected.

I´m so excited about this trip.

At the beginning of our marriage I wasn´t sure I wanted kids even when Senior was really pushing for grand children. I knew from the beginning that this was an arranged marriage and due to Edward´s fame I needed to stay clear on what to expect of this but in the past 5 years I began to feel lonely. 

I realized that all of my goals were accomplished and my internal clock was claiming for life to grow inside me. I was detached, I was raised to be. That´s the England way to live and to strive in society but more than ever I want to have a child. We´ve visited all specialized doctor´s in the United Kingdom and the results are inconclusive to who has the problem but I really know is me.

I finally found a true friend I can trust and submit myself to all treatments possible. I can feel that this trip would be bringing us hope. Edward has being a decent husband so far and I know he wants Senior of our back with the heir thing, in every supper we share with the family he has to bring out the fact that we haven´t got pregnant.

                -Son, you and your wife aren´t getting any younger and I wish to meet my grand children before I die. What are you waiting for?-  The old man said.

Every Thanksgiving, every birthday, every father´s day, every mother´s day, every family reunion, every family trip, EVERY CHANCE he gets I´m reminded of this. One can get tired, one can get consumed, and one can slowly wish to vanish.

When I found out that CC was specialized in fertility I had to call and schedule a visit. We went to boarding school together, yes ´cuz it´s normal that rich parents across the world refuse responsible parenting and they pay for it instead. CC was one of my closest friends in high school but we lost contact through the years since we both involved ourselves in marriage and since we originally lived in different countries we got lost in culture but talking again was like old times.

-          I know it´s being a while CC but I need your opinion in my case.- I was almost crying.

-          Of course Debbie, anything that you need! I can clear my Agenda for you at anytime, when would you come to the USA so we can do the first check up and catch up?

-          My husband will travel there in 2 weeks, I can join him and we can both meet you at your office.-I said.

-          Excellent, don´t worry Debbie I will do my best to help you . Can you please bring all the tests, any treatments recommendations you´ve receive and both family histories? - He asked.

-          Absolutely, thank you so much CC.- I was really thankful;

So here we are. Edward is finishing his airport meeting and then we´re off to downtown Hartford, Connecticut.

Deborah Langley-Woods

TO BE CONTINUE

Growing pains, pains that grow

Noah grows an inch every day and I feel like he´s slipping away of my fingers. Mom has helped me a lot, especially when I need to travel for the medical outreach with the foundation but I promised him that for his 11^th birthday I would take him with me and we would do a Safari together. Christopher is trying to clear his agenda for that day so hopefully we´ll go together.

Yes, I´m married and I have one child and frankly this change of life really helped me heal and focus in what really matters. I met Christopher in one of my trips to Africa, he was one of the OBGYN surgeons assigned to my unit and we began to get along quiet fine. It was my first trip after a year in New York with my mom and meeting him was my salvation. Literally. We´ve being together since and our lives have been flourishing. We started a non lucrative foundation designated to help moms and kids with AIDS in Africa, providing education, contraception, food and healthy water supplies. We were blessed with giving friends and the mouth to mouth publicity that I’m thankful for but it worries me. If Mason decides to sniff around he would easily find and things will get complicated.

Two years ago Christopher decided to fly solo and opened a fertility clinic in downtown Hartford while we live a quiet life in Glastonbury where Noah can try to have a normal life. This clinic has helped lots of Mothers and Dads find their ultimate dream of being parents and this brings Chris such joy and comfort. I´m glad that I can support him in this.

-Honey, can you please pick up Noah early? I would see an old friend and her husband for dinner after I do a check up on her at the clinic. We can meet there and go to Mario´s afterwards; I want her to meet Noah. Is this ok? - He´s so sweet.

-Yes, darling. Do you want me to make the reservation? - I asked.

-No need, I´ll ask Andrea to do it. You just have to look beautiful. - He kisses me in the forehead and hugs Noah on his way out, I’m very lucky.

The morning goes by slowly and when I finished my daily jog and return to the house I find Mason waiting in the entrance. I asked Ruben to let him in and I feel like half of my body just died. I hop on the van´s front sit and he sits in the back, Ruben leaves us in the porch and I ask him to sit.

-          How on earth did you find me?- I’m nervous

-          I must say that it was really hard but with patience not impossible.- He smiles .

-          What do you want?

-          Nothing, I just had to see it with my own eyes that´s all. Edward doesn´t know that I found you and I wanted to ask you if you want to keep it that way.-He was serious.

-          Yes, I do.-I was straight forward.

-          Impressive, you´ve moved on. I wish I could say the same for our dear friend. Ok, then. I shall not keep you. We´re here until tomorrow and I will love to visit around. Hope all is well with you Mrs. Willes... sorry, I mean Mrs. Carpenter.

We? He ´s here with Edward?? Oh no!! Tumor alert!!!!

-          Thank you for being concerned for my well being Mr. Schmitt, have a good day and may you find Hartford interesting.-I was polite.

-          Oh, what I have seen so far proves your point exactly. Good Day.

Ruben takes him back to the entrance and just like a heartbeat; my soul feels life is turning upside down.

Edith Carpenter.

TO BE CONTINUE

Lost and found

I have watched him over the past 10 years after Edith´s magical disappearance act, desperately searching for her and not finding anything. It´s like she vanished, earth was her graveyard and Edward didn´t have a chance to grieve. 

He involved himself in the family business and that was his life, our daily talks have decreased into weekly or once a month gatherings where we keep silence most of the time. I know he blames me for her departure. I didn´t see senior walking in the lawn while Edward was going to the famous guest house. That was my mistake and what happened next, the disaster, was indeed my fault. So, I don´t try to excuse myself but I do keep searching for her in order to vindicate my mistake. I know that her life was to serve countries in need  around the world but I also know that she´s smart and she would know where I would look. She intended to vanish so in the last three years my scope has enlarged. By now, she must have a new last name and kids of her own. She left this side of the world to reborn away from this tragedy. 

Then it hits me. 

She is not in this side of the world so where would someone like her go to still have a piece of this world, do her work , change her name and start from ZERO?  

Damn, I’m getting old and slow. Edith is a genius. I know where she is.

I open my computer.

-          Let´s Google: Famous ONG foundations in USA.

Jesus! Almost two thousand of them but which ones are focused in world hunger and medical outreach. Bingo! Only two hundred.

-          Ok, Edith where are you hiding?

Then, like a light bulb that begins to feel the energy and explodes in the brightest light I enter a website of the Foundation, just to discover that the CEO and founder is an prominent  American blonde that is involve with all the visits to AFRICA, she is a family practitioner doctor who has a ten year old son named Noah Carpenter.  Noah, his father Christopher and Edith CARPENTER live in Connecticut.

Oh shit. She really did it! Camouflage herself into a CEO-Housewife of Connecticut.

-          Whoa.

And my huge surprised face gets interrupted by  an unexpected visitor.

-          What´s so surprising, Mason? - He´s at the door.

I close the computer.

-          Nothing Edward, just doing some research and found myself surprised just when I thought I’ve seen it all.

-          Ok, can you prep your luggage, we´re traveling tonight to the US, I have an early business meeting at JFK airport and then we´ll accompany Deborah to Connecticut to visit a one of her friends. She would try to visit a fertility clinic for a second opinion as usual so be prepare.

-          Connecticut?- I just can´t help asking.

-          Yes, why is there a problem?

-          No, sir.

-          Ok, see you  at 5:00 pm in the car

Sure as hell there are above forces driving this man close to this woman, no matter how good she´s at hiding. I open my computer and I see her picture. Edith Willes I mean Carpenter, slim, sophisticated, green eyes. Like being Thirty five it´s the new twenties. Edward would have a stroke if he finds out this; I need to find her first.

I make several calls to my  Interpol  agents and some old friend in the CIA, in less than five minutes I have her home address, phones and email. While the Woods make their visits I will make a visit of my own.

Mason, the Watcher.

TO BE CONTINUE

The unveiling truth.

Powerful people don´t have a heart.

They´re obsessed with money, society status and empty gatherings where they can brag about their bank accounts and shallow lives.

I never thought that I would be in the middle of such turbulent twister, even when I grew up in this life I never felt better than anyone and even after adulthood, helping others have been more fulfilling than all the society crap.

Now, here I am. In love with a Black Prince, with a married Black Prince, having his father threaten me and my mom´s life. As I see him twitching her neck I blink to understand this picture. Can I put myself to this circus for love? Can I put her life in danger for my infatuation? Can I watch the only family I have left suffer for my selfish ways only because I love Edward?

The answer is NO.

So I patiently ask this Power-Obsessed Man to let my mother go and I agree to leave and I look intently in his eyes while I do so:

-You don´t have to sweat any more Mr. Woods, I will leave. - I said calmed.

-Good. We have an understanding. How much do you want? - He´s cynic.

-No Sir, we have no understanding. I will not accept a penny from you, I´m not for sale. The only reason I´m walking away is because I love your son and I love my family; I wouldn´t want to stay and see what you’re truly capable of doing for power and whatever empty soul that´s driving your life. Know this. Your son loves me and I him, me leaving will solve your immediate problems but your future is already cursed by your own doing. I wish I could stay to witness your decadency but I prefer to save myself the trouble. Good day Mr. Woods, you can leave my house now and don´t worry I’ll leave tomorrow morning.

He looks at me with hate and disdain. He tries to reply but THE WATCHER taps his shoulders so they can go. He stands up from the chair and sets his course to the door but stops and turn to look at me from head to toe, before he can say it I interrupt him:

-Yes, you´re better than everyone else and this common girl doesn´t meet your standards but Sir I honestly don´t give a rat’s ass what you think of me. Leave.

The watcher and him stare back in disbelieve and left speechless.

I go upstairs to find my crying mother in the floor of her room. Devastated.

-Mom, I´m sorry! You were right and I’m sorry I didn’t listened but I want us to go away from here. - I hug her.

She doesn´t stop crying.

-Mom, please talk to me- I begged.

She tries to calm down and after a while she answers.

-          I can´t believe he did that to you, use me to get his way. There was a time when that man would have done anything for me.

What?? But I stay quiet.

-          Before your father and I were together, Allan Woods and I were friends in school. That friendship turned to be love but as expected his mother opposed and forced him to married someone else. I was offered money to leave but didn´t take it, instead I went to college away from here. I met your dad there and my heart began to heal. Allan kept writing to me as friends but when he found out that I was to be married the letters stopped and we were separated for good until now.

-          Mom why you didn´t tell me? Why did you stay in this house so close to him?

-          That´s ancient history and we both moved on with our spouses but what he did today was out of rage and I can´t believe I ever loved that man. - she finished.

-          We loved the wrong one didn´t we?-I was shocked. Allan Wood could have been my father. The world is a strange place.

She agreed with her head covered between her hands and knees.

I made several calls and bought the plane tickets, I was taking my mom away from here. We packed our things and covered the house with white linens because we weren´t planning to come back. I cried myself to sleep, I had to face Edward tomorrow and telling him I had to leave would be hard.

The morning arrived too soon for me and we were putting the bags close to the door, I wanted to disappear before he would come to the guest house but I was too late. I spit a lie and after the heat of the moment he actually believed it. He left and  I hurried to the car and loaded our things in the trunk.

-Mom let’s go! Hurry!!!

When I was inside the car I saw him returning to the house and running to catch up. All the tears in the world couldn´t make me feel better. We finished our story arguing.

Good bye Edward Woods, I love you.

Edith.

TO BE CONTINUE

HEAT

Married life doesn´t feel different to me.

Deborah focused on every detail of the wedding and I just had to show up and say ¨I DO¨ even if every neuron in my body yelled ¨I don´t¨.  We decided to stay in my father´s house since Senior moved back to the city and wanted to leave us the place too biblically   ¨ Be Fruitful and multiply ¨ because he wants a grandson soon but I will avoid sleeping with her for as long as I can. I already doomed Edith to this life, the least I could do I not sleep with my wife and procreate any time soon.  She´s been very different since I married. I barely get to see her after our episode with Senior. He found out and went to her house and threatens her and her mom. They didn´t take it but I know it did affect her because things don´t seem the same but let me have  hope in this black story and think that we shall overcome this and be happy in the end.

-          -God, how much I want you- I swiped her off the floor and hug her like if my life depends on it, it actually does.

-         - Put me down Edward. - She is upset and demanding now.

-          -What´s wrong Edith?- I´m worried.

-          -I … I need to leave. I´m leaving today and I don´t want you here right now.- She said it but my ears couldn’t believe it.

-          -What are you talking about that you´re leaving?- I´m shouting now.

-         - Edward, YOU ARE MARRIED!! What do you expect me to do? You expect me to live like this for the rest of my life? – She was shouting too.

-        -  No… but I thought you understood. I never lied to you, you knew this since day one and now you´re telling me that you can´t handle it?

-          -Yes, that´s exactly it. I can´t handle it now, leave my house I don´t want to ever see you again.- She said those words crying like there was a greater pain I wasn´t  aware of.

-        -  I´m not leaving Edith.

-      -Yes you are, I already accepted the money Senior offered my family and agreed to never see you again.- She killed me

-          -You what? You´re lying, please tell me you´re lying!!!!!

-       -  I´m richer now and you´re married this is as close as we get of a happy ending.- She finished me.

I walked out of the guest house with a hole in my chest. Feeling like a knife went through and through my heart. She was like the rest, Senior got to her with money. Wait, she has money. Senior couldn´t buy her like that something else is going on. By the time I turned my face to go back to her I saw her putting all her things in the car and leaving. Just like a terrifying thunder in a stormy afternoon, Edith Willes walked out my life, without looking back or hesitating. Life was finished for me, I just can´t see myself without her. My thoughts were interrupted by my conscience:

-         - You need to let her go Edward.-The quiet voice whispered as if my pain was understood.

-          -No, I can´t ...-I started feeling the not in my throat.

-          -I told you Senior wouldn´t let you have it both ways…It had to be done.- The voice cracked at the end of the phrase.

-        -  You always say that after the ¨Clean up¨ but she was different and you know it. I won´t give up on her like I did with the others.

-         - I know  you won´t but you won´t have a choice. It´s done, she´s gone.

-         - She didn´t take money? What you did to make her flee away- I demanded.

-         - I didn´t do anything but I was present when Senior was holding her mom´s neck between his hands. He told her that he would take everything from her and not all the money in the world would help her recovery it. She looked at her mom and ask him politely to let her go so that they would settle everything. The mom left the room crying and looking at Senior in disbelieve, like he betrayed her. Once sitting down  she agreed to leave.- She´s a brave Woman Edward but she couldn´t win this.

-     -          Find her.- I was looking straight into the eyes of my conscience.

-         -Ok.

That day my life turned into gray shades of numbness and my soul couldn´t rest not until my conscience would find Edith, not until I could find my heart again.

Edward.

TO BE CONTINUE