Le Prince Noir
When I decide to read no one could stop me from
my quest. I would search until something catches my attention and I would
pursue the goal of understanding all angles of the story. Yesterday was one of
those days where I needed to find another great story my mind could recreate
and share it across the world. I truly
believe that as time passes cultures, generations and knowledge makes life
better, complicated and with unnecessary worries. However, one thing is
constant. One thing remains. One thing will keep surviving after wars,
arguments and diseases. One thing is untouched: a love story.
Salomée
*****
He walks in the vast land and searches for a
unknown horizon to him, he woke up with the same feeling today: something has
been missing in all this. It´s funny he thinks that way, what can be missing in
his life? He was born in a rich nest
with no limitations or restrictions, he will be the next corporation president
before turning thirty and life from our angle is perfect. What are you missing?
He asks the same question we ask, yet he feels he needs more. He keeps looking
around what it seemed like a castle but it´s just a big house to his eyes. He
decides to go for a horse ride and discovered some new adventures. He does this
every morning in hopes to fulfill his emptiness. He thinks it would be another
quick boring ride and in less than a couple of minutes he will return home to
the same boring routine.
I can see her now and in a instance I know that
the Edward´s ride will be different and I would witness the universe ¨ catastrophe ¨ conspiracy to make souls
encounter the key to their blind folded mind, to find peace and to live free.
She will be all of that for him yet will hurt him back just to understand how
much the love each other, ¨ Elle est son
âme ¨.
She is blissfully ignorant of the wind coming
her way, there´s satisfaction on walking these unknown lands every morning just
to keep in mind that things in life are simple. She sees that her surrounding
are all that she needs and this is more than enough. Inconscients de ce que l'avenir lui apporterait.
I was going to witness the beginning of a profound
connection that would transcend history, inheritance, society, preconceptions
and any other judgmental feeling that could blind any foolish and shallow human
being. I never thought this encounter would also teach me something but it did.
He´s closer now, he thought that he wouldn´t
find anyone at this time. He sees a silhouette in the horizon and as he gets
closer, he wants to find out who is it. It seemed like a blur from the distance,
that probably he was being enchanted by ¨Le mirage¨ of her. He stopped. I
wasn´t close enough to hear them but many years later he shared it in a winter
night with coffee.
****
-Good morning.
She turned to return the greeting with a smile.
-It´s really rare to find someone around here
this early.-He says nervously while being locked by her eyes.
-I agree with you Sir but it´s in the sunrise
where the soul purifies itself until the new nights arrives.-She speaks poetry.
He smiles. He smiles with the thousand lighting
stars smile and dazzles her.
-I´m Edward Woods.
-Nice to meet you Edward, My name is Edith
Willes .
They stay quiet, looking at each other.
Recognizing this is a precedent event, they met and their lives will be turned
and will linger together for as long as they shall live.
-Do you live around here?-He´s anxious.
- Yes.- She smiles.
-Can I walk
you home.
She doesn´t answer and starts walking, he
freezes. She turns.
-Are you coming?
****
I see them going together accompany by the
horse, I´m curious and I follow too.
The time passes and every morning I see them
reunited and walking to her house, this keeps happening for a while but now I see them holding hands then
kissing on the cheeks and finally one
beautiful spring morning they kissed. I smiled. They found each other.
***
Edith Willes meets Edward Woods
For
some reason I decided to go for a walk earlier that day,
something in my heart told me that I was going to find something but never
thought I would won a prize beyond measure.
I
saw his horse getting near me as if he was desperate to get here without even
knowing who I was. My heart starts hasten faster and I don´t know what am I
going to do when he´s finally there. I know that horse, everyone knows who he
is but the fact that he´s marching my way makes it all absolutely unbelievable.
What can I possible offer to him? I´m just a girl, he´s
the sun.
He
finally it´s here and all my doubts have gotten worse, I just don´t understand
this.
-Good
morning.
Brain
tumor, just smile at him.
-It´s
really rare to find someone around here this early.-He says nervously and
looking at me intensively.
Ok,
Edith. He wants to talk to you. Say something you idiot!!
-I
agree with you Sir but it´s in the sunrise where the soul purifies itself until
the new nights arrives.- Well said you clever girl.
He´s
smiling now. I must have surprised him, this is a good thing. What a beautiful
smile! Wao. My heart stops.
-I´m
Edward Woods.- he extended his hand at me.
-Nice
to meet you Edward, My name is Edith Willes.-I know who you are but let´s
just pretend, it´s funnier that way. I emphasize my last name so it would be
clear to him that we´re totally different and he´s way out of my league.
Do
you live around here?-He asks me and I can see he´s eager to hear me saying
yes.
-
Yes.
He
hesitates on making his move, I should stop this right here, nothing good will
come for me.
-Can
I walk you home?- He finally gets the courage to ask me.
I
start walking, this is the best choice but my heart sounds angry at me and
tells me why i´m refusing a simple walk home so I turn to him.
-Are
you coming?
The
walk home is silent at the beginning and I honestly don´t know why I listened
to my heart but I once read that our way to happiness is to listen
to him, I feel a thousand of butterflies trying to get out through my mouth but
I hold them in. He starts the conversation again, why he wants to talk to me. I´m
just Edith Willes you are the wealthiest man in England, what can I possible
say to entertain you? Then it hits me. I don´t have to, he has plenty of that
nonsense in his world I get to be the one thing that it´s not predictable and I
get to simply be myself. What´s the worse it could happen? the i stopped and
change my mind;
-Listen,
you don´t have to walk me home at all. You came to introduce yourself and
that´s more than enough. Soon, someone will be looking for you and I don´t want
to be part of all that circus you´re involved in. Thank you but I can continue
from here.- I was really rude to him.
He
stopped and I feel like the world ended, he believed my taunted words.
-You´re
some quiet enigmatic woman Ms. Edith Willes. It was you who asked me to walk
you home.
-An
now I just changed my mind.- I spit the word with anger but why I was angry?
He
approaches me; he´s near me and out the blue holds me tight to him. He´s used
to get his own way.
-Edward,
if you kiss me I will hit you hard there and you won´t be able to walk for
days. Let go of me now.-I sound menacing now.
He´s
eyes go wild, he´s trying to suppress a smile but still doesn´t let go.
-I
won´t kiss you until you ask me to but since your threat didn´t forbid me from
having you like this I guess it´s more of what I can wish for. I
know you´re different and I wish to get to know you more. I agree about
the circus part and I truly wish you´re not like the rest of them. I can see
now that you´re not. Can I come here tomorrow morning to see you?
I
want to say no and now I see how he charms everyone around him, I understand
why no one says no to him, he´s mesmerizing.
-No.
-No?
Why? - He looks surprised.
-You
know why? You´re getting married! I will not be like the rest.-I say it.
His
face suddenly turns sad and he starts looking down, he was hoping I didn´t know
but who doesn´t know all the details of his family dominant empire. Even when I
try to avoid all kinds of superficial conversations people in town only talks
about him and the wedding of the century.
-Edward,
you need to turn and go back to your reality I will not be used as an escape.
Please let me go.- I begged.
-Please,
I really need someone like you in my life. Someone that sees me for who I am
and not for my family name. I need a friend.
I
breathe in and out while i look a thim. I can be a friend to him but if I do
this I have to protect my heart or I will end up crying for a married man. I
extend my hand to him and we walk towards my house. How can I be friends with
the most gorgeous man on earth without falling for him?
-Tomorrow?
-Tomorrow.
- I say without any doubt.
An
Edward wood walked me home, tried to kiss me and now wants to be my friend.
Well done Ms. Edith, now your life went from simple to complicated.
***
Edward Woods.
I can´t believe that I just had my life shaken
by a normal country girl and her ways of spitting the truth without hesitation.
What a magnificent creature, why I get to meet her now? I´m one month away from
my arranged wedding and this is another confirmation that I shouldn´t be
married.
I don´t understand my parents and their wish to
maintain the status and the family name within the power society they have
always lived up to but why do they think they can choose for me? What´s worse,
how was I so blind to agree to it when I don´t even neither know nor love this
person I will married? I was clear to my parents that this arranged marriage
wouldn´t stop me from living my life and being with which ever I wanted to and
that girl should be aware of it. That sounds so cynical, how can we play with
such thing to our convenience? What about the lives that would be affected?
What about the lives that would die in the process of this painful decision?
Then I meet Edith and can see her soul through
her eyes, I need to know more about her. I need that kind of purity in my life
to purge all the bullshit I’ve been exposed my entire life; but how can I do
this without hurting her, without being selfish and forcing her to live with my
burden? At least I can have her as a
friend but this isn´t what I want. I want her.
Tomorrow I will hold her hand again; they were
so soft and inviting. What would we talk about? I wish not about the gossips of
my relationship with Deborah, which is nonexistent. Our families are loaded and
have being related for the past 7 generations, which makes her a perfect match
for me according to Richard, I mean my dad.
I´m curious. I open my computer and search her
name: Edith Willes, England. I’m expecting that the browser won´t get me neither
far nor too many results but I´m surprised. She´s everywhere. She´s a doctor.
She´s not British, this can definitely complicate things. Normally spends her
summers in USA and the rest of the year travels to different locations for
missions across the world. Has a family house in England and France but
apparently her life is traveling. She isn´t predictable, I like this. So, how
does she know about me?
I have to go to that boring meeting now and I
can´t continue with my search, which has left me thirstier than before. Another
boring day at the office that I wish it will pass fast so I can see her
tomorrow. I wonder what´s she´s doing now.
****
The watcher
People call him the Black Prince, I have always
wondered why. Edith knows this, she knows everything that is to know about him,
she has sat with her friends and listened to Mr. Woods’s gossips and dark
secrets. Why is she interested? I know
she´s smart, I have heard about her too, She´s constantly traveling and nobody
has seen her with another man. Some say she´s a lesbian others say she´s
frigid. People and gossip, the web they like to grow but once it reaches them
life is unfair. The things I need to listen in each party, walk to the park,
shopping for items and accompany him in meetings. I see that he´s bored, he´s
not interested in building an empire like his family, I have seen him
contemplating the simple lives of the less fortunate. I have seen him longing
normal as if normal would bring him happiness. This meeting dulls him; I can
tell he wants the day to be over just to see her again. That´s what she
represents, his journey to ¨normal¨.
This afternoon we stopped a different store,
wait… This isn´t a store, this is a library. I was more shocked than the
driver. He´s went to the mission´s section, lots of books about hunger and
medical needs in Africa. Is Mr. Woods wants to feed the hunger? Since when he´s
interested in this. He gets several UNICEF pamphlets and walks out the building
with a grin. He´s planning something, something that will dazzle Edith until
she doesn´t have any other to succumb to his charm. His art is a perfectionate
science where multiple sacrifices had being made and I had to clean several
messes, this will not end up good for her. Usually it never did to the others and
he seemed well kept but then again Edith doesn´t seem like the others so this
could end badly for both. The sad part is I will have to keep my distance until
I´m called to pick up the pieces and clean. This is something I definitely
don´t like to neither do nor enjoy but that´s what I get pay for and my job is
to keep him secure.
Dinner was quiet at the house or should I say
the castle, who am I kidding, this isn´t a house. I live in a house and my
house is just a couple of feet away from here, this is a castle and all his
life Edward have lived here and doesn´t know anything besides this castle and
my house. Senior has instructed me to
keep him away from the nearby houses to avoid any complications and yesterday I
failed to fulfill that promise, I let him walk alone and ride towards Edith, I
know I will have to pay for this mistake but seeing him so carefree and reaching ¨normal¨ it was worth it. As usual
we talk before he goes to bed:
-What do you think?- Our conversations always
start with this question.
-You know that I don´t like to interfere.- I
reply softly.
-I know you don´t like it but in the end you
always do.-He sets the record straight.
-I saw you searching for Missions and Africa
info? You´re searching about her in the
browser, don´t be mad but I get paid to know all of this. You´re to be married
with Deborah in less than 2 months, that won´t change it´s a sealed deal and it
won´t be broken. Senior won´t allow it and I won´t be able to protect neither
you nor her of the disaster. She has a fulfilling life in her work and contrary
to what people say about her sexuality I honestly think she liked you. What I
don´t know if she´s willing to be scattered just to experience those feelings
with you but by the look on her face it seemed that she might so be careful,
this one is different from the others. She has a brain and a great heart.
-Brutal as usual.-He said smiling.
-You won´t change your mind about seeing her
tomorrow, right?- I asked with hope.
He looked down and then to the right outside of
my house window and smiled. There I saw it, He was going after ¨Normal¨ and no
one was going to stop him from trying
not even me that implore him so I wouldn´t have to clean any more consequences
but I was totally blind for not understanding what this encounter meant. Only
after all this years and all that has happened I can see it clearly.
Love is worth fighting for even when people
think that it´s too risky.
****
My dull day after seeing him
I closed the door and my heart doesn´t find
neither rest nor peace. This was supposed to be a quiet relaxing walk around
the house. This visit to my parent’s homeland was to give me inner peace and
prepare for my next mission visit to Africa, I always come here to recharge my
batteries and prepare for the upcoming adventure. I don´t need all this trouble
now but I too need a friend for sure. This doesn´t feel like a friendship birth,
it feels like a very hard complication. I´ve been alone for so long that I
can´t neither recognize nor differentiate one from another, love or friendship
I mean, I have built my walls so high because I just don´t have the time
anymore. Last time I went for love it was really hard so it´s safer to focus in
others and help them in anyways I can, that´s the only type of love my heart
could accept or deal at the time but now I feel it jumping eager to know what I’ve been missing.
I decide to go a turn on the TV and prepare
some breakfast, I enjoy cooking it relaxes me. I can´t stop thinking about
Edward´s hand interlaced with mine. I closed my eyes and I think on how soft
his hands feels touching my fingers and making my soul feel that the right palm
it´s connecting to mine. I’ve never felt such softness and it doesn´t match the
towns gossip about him not having a heart and that he just enjoy playing
around. Those hands felt lonely , they felt empty but I barely know the owner to have a final
conclusion so I will see him again. While submerged in my thought the door
slams hard and I know she´s home.
-Daydreaming?- Direct as usual.
-No, just… thinking. Do you want me to serve
you omelet?- I ask her.
She stares at me and stays quiet. She gets
closer and says it.
-Who did you find? Who?
It´s not news to me that she knows me the same as I know her, two drops of water looking
each other into the mirror. I can´t hide anything from her but this time I will try.
-No one. The walk was short and peaceful. Do
you want breakfast or not?- I look directly to her eyes to try to lie and
apparently it worked.
- Ok. Please.
The conversation finishes there and we both go
into our daily routine, the daily routine when I visit her. I like traveling
but I always end up coming back home to her, after my father passed away she
needs me more than ever. Ruth can be quiet sometimes but we both need to hear
each other’s voice to know that everything is going to be alright with the
world.
The afternoon comes in slowly and not fast
enough, we have the usual visitors that like to drop a bomb or two about the
latest town news. Of course this is how I hear about Edward and his family
because no matter whatever happens in England; The Woods are the closure topic
of the gossip.
-So enough about Maggie and her crazy husband,
did you hear where the wedding would be?- Her annoying tone of voice makes me roll
my eyes.
-What wedding?- my mom says annoyed by
Savannah´s question.
-The Wedding of the year, Edward Woods and
Deborah Campbell?
-Oh right, you obsession. Got it!- My mom says
and I can´t suppressed my laugh.
-Ruth, I’m not obsessed I just like to keep you
posted. I know being loosing Michael you lost interest in all the society stuff
but I’m your friend and I will keep you inform of all the things until you get
back to our club´s meeting.-Savannah finishes.
Of course she had to bring my dad´s passing to
the table (that bitch). I´m angry now and not laughing anymore but my mom as
polite as she is tries to brush it off.
-Thank you dear for your thoughtful initiative
but none of those topics interest me anymore.
-I understand Ruth. - She says while drinking
her cup of tea… oh them and their tea!!!
In moment like this I hug myself and my dad for
loving me so that he wanted me to have a life outside of this bubble and
appreciate other cultures so I would understand the shallowness in my own and I
could try to be different.
There was a time when Ruth lived to the social
events and participate in Charity along with my dad, they weren´t as well known
as the Woods but they had their share of recognition. Then my dad had cancer
and all the so called friends disappeared and the ones still remaining wanted
to come visit and see if we were finally broke. I manage to maintain my dad´s
business and with my constant work with non governmental entities we have
maintain our status but not because we care about none of this garbage but to
honor my dad´s memory, to feel we have him closer to our hearts.
This and some other more reasons is that
getting close t Edward feels like if I´m
going against nature, I have found myself in the work that I do and mixing with
Edward would damage what I have achieve so far.
Savannah leaves promising to bring the ladies
tomorrow for tea , I roll my eyes and
wave to her as my mother closes the door.
-Why do you keep receiving that vulture in our
house?-I demand her
-I know but she´s the one that comes here every
day and even if I to hear all that drama it helps me not to feel alone when
you´re not here, it´s not easy being alone.-She smiles and make me feel guilty.
-Do you want me to stay here and stop working?-
I´m shocked
-No, silly but I want you to understand my
point too.-She answers.
-Ok, I understand.
I go back to my room and lay on my bed thinking
about what she said to me, It´s not easy
being alone. I realized that I don´t want to end up alone either and that
tomorrow morning I will see him again and for a brief moment I won´t be alone I
will be with him.
***
The Storm has arrived
-
It´s
been an interesting week for us, don´t you thing?
-
I
agree Mr. Woods.-I looked at him intently and smiled.
-
Are
you smirking at me Mrs. Willes?-He sounded challenged.
Oh dear God, what an amazing week. I cannot
believe this is happening to me, I finally found a friend but I no longer want
him as my friend. I want him for me and, I don´t want to share him with anyone.
-
What´s
going on? Why you look sad out of the sudden? What did I do wrong?-He sounds
concerned.
-
Nothing
wrong Edward, I just don´t like it when you leave. That´s all. –I said and my
tone is even sadder than my face. I look at him and he seems surprised.
-
Really?
-
Yes,
I like the time we spend together.-I say shyly.
He reached my hand; he takes it and interlaced
it with his. He pulls it up until his mouth touches my palm. He looks at me
with worry eyes as he´s afraid but then makes up his mind to kiss my hand and
close his eyes when he does so. I have never felt such electric current hitting
my body and going all the way to my heart. This is beyond friendship now and it
will bring a storm. I have nerve being in a storm before but I certainly love
the rain.
- Edith ,May I kiss you? - He stabs me in the
heart with his sweetness. Someone that has never being known for such feelings.
-Will you hurt me Edward? - I say in a quiet
voice.
-I don´t want to and I will give my soul to
avoid that Edith but I can´t promise you I won´t.-He finished me.
-Ok. – I said yes with my head.
He kissed me.
I have never being kissed like this before,
such warmth in his lips, such corpulence lips and such penetrating tongue. He
wanted me; he wanted to devour my mouth and conquered my soul with that kiss.
He succeeded. The sound of the thunder distracted our feast and we had to run
towards my guess house to cover from the rain.
-Edith, I can´t let you go. That kiss just
proved my point.-He said heavy breathing.
Words can barely come out my mouth and I simply
sealed him with my conquering and demanding kiss. I possessed his mouth and I
simply pour my soul out to comply with his statement. When we part I stay
looking at him and he says it.
-Edith, may I make love to you.
-Yes, Edward you may.-
I wasn´t going to pretend anymore so I have
accepted that the storm had arrived and I was going to dance in it. I was going
to fight for this man until my last breath and against anyone who would try to
deny me from him.
***
The conversation
I see him in a very good mood lately; this
friendship with Edith had definitely paid off on his mood and his vision of
life. I wonder if the daily visits are to blame, I wonder if my sudden
ignorance to let him be alone with her is giving him this sudden happiness. If
that´s the case then it would bring me such joy to seeing him finally
experiencing love. It´s a shame that this has expiration date. The invites have
been sent and according to what I have heard, it would be the celebration of
the century.
His fiancée has being on a trip to France for
the last month finalizing the wedding preparation. Meanwhile he´s being hiding
himself at that guest house every morning as if that place it´s his only
escape. I thought that this girl would be different and smart enough to avoid
falling for him. I need to warn her.
-Good afternoon, Mrs. Willes. May I have a word
with your daughter?-I asked politely after she answered the door when I
knocked.
- What are you doing in my house? - Her face
looks troubled; she knows who I am and what I do. There was a time when she was
in every single meeting, society party or cocktail gathering. She knows about
me and my cleanser responsibilities.
-I need to speak to your daughter, it´s
concerning a charity event that I would like her to participate in. –I lied. I
had to, I just couldn´t resist the way she looked at me.
She calls Edith and leaves us to our charity
nonsense.
-Good Afternoon, Miss.
-How can I help you? - She asked.
-You know who I am, right?
-Yes, Edward has told me about you. - She looks
nervous.
-What have you heard about me?
-Just the basics in one word. - She seems more
relaxed.
- And?
-Security.-She was sharp
-Exactly, I ensure the Woods security at all
times but today, I´m not here for them. I came to talk to you.
She looked bewildered but not intimidated.
-I see, again how I can help you?- her tone was firm.
She invited me to sit and then I had to set all
records straight.
-He will be married exactly three weeks from
now to Deborah, this marriage is merely for business because of family
tradition mostly but yet it will not be undone because of you. I have seen how
important you have become for him but this won´t change the decision made. He
would not be yours completely. Are you going to settle for being his mistress?
I have read about you, your work is really important to you. Once it comes out
that you´re in an extra marital affair your career would be over. This is not a
threat, this is me giving you a picture on how would it be. Please end this now
before you can get really hurt. - I finished begging her to consider my plea.
- I understand everything that you´re saying to me and the logic in me tells me you´re right but
what can I do with my feelings when my heart has finally found it´s match. I will
fight for him until there are no more strength to fight anymore. - She´s
determined.
- You have no idea what they´re capable of
doing to keep their status. Senior is determined to close this deal as he does
on his work empire. In the end Edward will do what he was told to do. Senior is
in control of his universe and I will be sent to eliminate the problem. I will
discredit you, I will force you to disappear and I honestly don´t want to do
this to Edward. My job will not be complete until I buy you out or hurt you in
a way that will make you quit on him. Trust me, I´m really good at my job, don
not underestimate this old me. Again, I want you to see and understand my point.
- I had to say it.
She stands up from the sofa and walks towards
me and kneels.
-I can see who has the power now, not Senior
but you. Can you help me? For once in your job duties, can you champion the
harmless victim that loves your boy unconditionally? I know you care for Edward
and if you do, you will also care for me as well. We love each other to a point
that we´re willing to risk it all to protect our love. Please don´t let them
separate us, if I have to endure this marriage to be near him I will. If I have
to settle for second in other to save our love I will. I will manage to keep
balance even when it seemed insanity to the world. That´s how I love him. I
don´t need his money, I don´t care to make a scene to prejudice his family I
just want him.-She finished me.
Talk about a strong character. Talk about
devotion and determination. This would be harder than I thought. She´s not
going anywhere and I needed to decide her future: destruction and alienation or
protection and salvation. This one will be a hard one to beat; I knew it since
day one.
-Edith, I don´t promise you anything but I will
think about it. Good day. - I said, standing up and leaving her in the floor
with a sense of defeat.
The Watcher.
***
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 how 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 walk 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 it 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.
***
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.
***
Lost and found.
I have watched him over the past 10 years after
Edith magical disappearance act, desperately searching for Edith Wiles 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
the service in needed countries 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 brightness light I enter a website of the
Foundation, just to discover that the CEO and founders is an prominent blond
American 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 to 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 in fifteen minute 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 the Interpol 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.
***
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 11th 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.
***
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 with this. 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
***
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 9th floor. Chris
always wanted the roof top view so the clinic occupies the 9th and
10th 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 raises 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. Edwards 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. The
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 in front of my own
eyes. I wasn´t going to stay and let him ruin my life more than it was.-I spit,
yes Senior was 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 Eduard´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 Confused Edith Carpenter.
***
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.
-
Fare
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!
-
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, 5th 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.
***
British and American
Today I woke up but my body is
troubled to respond my commands. This is one of the major signs of my life
coming to an end or an accelerating pace to aging and then dying. Since Gretchen´s
passing I´ve decided to stay alone because there´s no point to find another
mate, plus my children want nothing to do with me except to sign their alimony
checks, imagine if I tell them that I would find another wife. I hoped I had
time to catch up with them and try to have a relationship but let´s be honest I
have done nothing but to fucked up their lives. I hoped that I was going to
avoid making the mistakes my father did with me but it resulted exactly in the
same. The Woods live for the preservation of their status and name. I haven’t
helped at all and yes I feel I have failed as a father.
Deborah returned alone from their
Connecticut trip giving me the big news about the doctor and the treatments for
them to have kids. I know I also have been hard on her but we need her to have
children, a boy to be exact.
She told me that she reunited with a
high school friend and his family and that they all went to have dinner.
-
Senior,
you would love their son Noah, such proper boy. I almost thought he was
British. His mom has done a wonderful job raising him.
-
That´s
a shock, an American following our roots. - I replied.
-
Oh
no she isn´t American, she was born in England but her parent had her
travelling mostly to America and now she directs her own charity foundation,
she´s also a Doctor. Look here she is.-
She showed me the picture and I
almost burned my chest with the Earl Gray tea. For heaven´s sakes. How was this
possible?
-
Look,
next to Edward you can see Noah. Isn´t he cute? - She said.
-
How
old is he? - I asked with my eyes fixated on the similarities between Noah and
Edward.
-
He´s
Ten. My Friend Christopher adopted him when he was one year old. I wonder where
would his father is? I can´t imagine how can someone disappear like that from
their children´s life.
She continued talking for what it
seemed like an Eternity, I just couldn´t stop looking at the picture on her
phone. I left the room and made a phone call
of my own.
-
Mason,
why did you guys stayed?
-
Edward
had another business meeting and other items pending on his agenda Sir.
-
Items
pending, uh? Interesting… that´s not what Deborah´s picture showed me…
Mason took a deep breath and let it
out into the phone so I could hear it.
-
Senior,
let me do my recon and I will give you all details when I get back. Nothing is
confirmed yet. Don´t do anything you will regret because if this is what we
both think it is and you do another crazy move you will regret it big
time. Do we understand each other?
-
Yes,
Mason. We do but I just hope that the next time you lie to me you would be
aware of the consequences.
-
If
I have to lie to you in order to save you from your own madness I will.
In the end, this man was always
right about me and that´s the reason why he still works with me after all these
years. In the other hand, if Edith´s child was my grandson, life as I knew it
would change forever.
-Damn you, Edith Willes.
Allan Reginald Woods III.
***
Guests and peacemaking.
What more can you give a ten year
old for his birthday than expending the day surrounded by love and happiness?
He told me that he didn´t want a big party but you can´t tell that to his Nana
since she thinks it´s absurd. Mom told me that she would not listen to my
Africa nonsense and that she would throw a big party for Noah. I had no option
but to join the circus and help her out with the details.
I had to tell Chris about my
unexpected guest and I also had to explain why.
-
Hi
honey! What a wonderful surprise you passing by the office. - He gave me a kiss
in the cheeks.
-
I
hope that I’m not in your way darling. - My tone was low.
-
No
way, what´s up? - He said.
-
We
need to talk about Noah… His dad.
-
Oh.
I´ve been waiting for this for some time now. Go on.- he said a little shocked.
-
I
thank you for never pushing me to tell you about my past beyond of what I could
handle to share and it´s because of your patience and honesty I have to tell
you the truth. I don´t want anything coming between us. So, I need you to try
to stay calm and try to understand what I need to tell you. In the end, you´ll
have every right to respond in any way you want and I will accept your
decision. Ok? - I asked.
-
Ok.
- He was sharp and guarded.
-
I
was born in West Yorkshire, Bradford England. My mom and dad dedicated their
lives for me to be raised outside of their world and up until I was 24 they
succeeded. After my dad´s passing I moved back to my parent’s country house to
accompany my mother. In that time I got involved with someone that I shouldn´t
have, he was to get married and for some reason I thought I could change our fates.
One day his dad found out about us and threaten me and my mom´s life if we
wouldn´t disappear so I would be out of his son´s way. I agreed and left. I
knew I was pregnant by that time but didn´t tell Noah´s dad and left. I didn´t
want my child growing up as a bastard or in that environment of hate and
disaster so we moved to America and I gave birth here. Noah´s dad didn´t know
about his existence until yesterday due to some reasons that I don´t
understand, like some mysterious coincidence I would never thought it would
happened. Noah´s dad is Edward Woods.
He was holding a mug full of coffee and the
cracking noise hitting the floor was so loud that Rose hurried in to ask if we
were ok.
-
Rose,
we´re fine! It was an accident don´t worry I’ll clean up.- I said looking at
Christopher.
She didn´t believe me but decided to leave us
to solve our inconvenience.
-
Chris,
say something. - I knew that this would be a really hard thing to say and to
hear but I never expected this reaction.
He walked from one side to another shaking his
head.
-
Edith…
That guy??? Debbie told me horrifying things about his family and how he treats
her. I just can´t assimilate all of this. Did you tell him he´s the father?
-
No,
he figured it out when you told Debbie that Noah was adopted. We had a meeting
yesterday to talk about all of the details and how I don´t want his father
finding out about our son. I told him that Noah already has a father and that I
didn´t want our son to be confused , he told me that he understands and that he
agrees to keep his distance but he would like to speak to you.
-
What
do you want to do? - He looked at me worried.
-
I
want to do what we agree to do.
There was a profound silence. The type you
witness when some has died or something disappeared and with never return. We stood
there in silence, him looking at the ground as it would give him the magic
solution to this complication, me looking through the window as it would return
the clock and I would have done things different with Christopher. Still, the
silence was navigating our boat.
-
Did
he go back to England? - He finally broke the silence.
-
No,
he´s here. - I responded softly.
-
Ok then. I would like you to invite him to
Noah´s birthday and I would talk to him then. - He finally said.
I wasn´t going to tell him that I had invite
him already; it would only make things worse. I just limited myself to:
-
Ok.
Do you want me to wait for you so we can go home together and grab some dinner
on our way? - I asked wishing that things would go back to normal. Such a fool,
Edith.
-
Not
tonight, I have a lot of work to finish and it will take a while. Please don´t
wait up. - He said not even looking at me.
I had no right to demand at this point. I would
need to grant him space and wish for the best to happen.
-
Ok,
Christopher. I would leave your dinner in the oven. Please don´t be late, I
will worry.
-
No
need Edith, I don´t think I´ll be eating home. - He answered dry and cold.
-
I
see. - I walked straight to him and continue talking. - You think I´ll throw
away our family to go back to that messy life? He´s no longer part of me and I
don´t want him in my it either. I want you. Here and now. Do you understand? -
I asked touching his chin and making him look at me.
-
Prove
it. - He defied me.
I took his hands and made him navigate my thighs
until he would´ve reached my underwear. I made him mark my hips with his
shorten nails as they would take the lace off. His eyes were bewildered with my reaction, I was always so
reserved sexually but there was no need now. This man needed to understand that
I wasn´t going anywhere. I climbed on top of him to make him feel my warmth and
arousal. I felt his. He wanted to take control but I just wasn´t in the mood
for letting anyone do so. I grabbed some gray scissors and started cutting what
was in my way in order to reach his chest. I kissed him harshly and merciless.
Unlocked his pants to let him free.
-
I
want you to take me in this desk while
you pull my hair and dont´stop until you hear me begging you to.- I said with burning eyes,
while turning my chest to the table and splitting my legs to let him in.
No words were spoken afterwards. Just a rough
dance with exploding screams from both of us at the same time.
Proven.
Empowered Edith Carpenter.
***
Noah´s Circus
I have loved her since the first day
I met her. Since the heat of a strong sun in Africa hit our skins making us
collide while we were on duty. I have loved her even when I knew that she would
never love me like I do.
Now she drops this bomb, expects for
me to deal with it and dig it all in the ground with great dirty sex? Well, it
was amazing sex, like we´ve never done before. She´s telling me that she chose
me and that nothing has changed but I just don´t think she´s right. This
amazing display of sex making in my desk has left me absolutely confused and
wanting more.
-
Can
we do that again? – I asked after catching my breath.
-
If
you come with me home I would like to continue our little game. - She tells me
after pulling her underwear up.
-
Let´s
go.-I hurry her out.
I must say that after that late
afternoon at the office and every night after that one I´m more intoxicated with her. I just can´t
get her off my pants but I should stop thinking about our crazy nights or I would have to lock myself in the bathroom to
avoid giving a stick show at Noah´s
Birthday.
-Calm down Christopher, You need to
prepare for your conversation with Mr. Uptight.- I say out loud then I see her
coming my way totally ravishing; I will get hard again.
-Hello Mr. Carpenterrrrr. - She
whispered caressing the R in my ear
and biting my lobe.
-Edith for the love of God, we have
guests and most of them are children.-I said almost chocked after that episode.
-Ok, I will try. - She finishes me
and walks toward the kitchen to get some ice cream for Noah´s friends.
My Wife the Ninfo! I guess I should thank
Edward for this.
Speaking of the devil.
-
Good
Evening Mr. Carpenter. - He says shaking my hand firmly and I reciprocate.
-
Good
Evening, Mr. Woods. How´s Debbie, I mean Deborah? - I asked.
-
She´s
fine, thanks. She told me of the lab work you requested from both and the extra
scans for her. She´s following your advice to the T.
-
Listen,
I agreed to the conversation about Noah but right now I want to enjoy my son´s birthday. Can we do this at the
end of the party? - I went straight for the kill.
-
Certainly,
Mr. Carpenter, as you wish. - He replied surprised.
-
Thank
you.
I have to give it to him, polite as royalty.
Prick!
Then I see Edith noticing him and
all the whirl, smiles and mischievousness went away. In a glimpse she´s
transformed. That man does that to her.
Noah loved his party, my mother in
law turned our back yard into a magical place: A Circus. She put a mini zoo,
jugglers, special clowns and all sort of activities. He didn´t want a party but
sure as hell he adored it. He was very happy with Edward´s gift and was
introducing him to all his friends, he held his hand and I finally accepted
that this man wasn´t my enemy nor my competition and that I needed to be more
flexible regarding him. It was time to talk.
-
Please
have a sit.- I requested politely.
-
Thank
you, may I call you Christopher- He asked and I agreed with my head.-Noah is a
fine young man you should be proud.
-
We
are Edward.-I responded quietly.
-
Christopher,
I have no intention of imposing into his life. Where I come from, Noah would
not have a blessed childhood, like the one you’ve given him here, and basically
I do not want my kind of life for him. I asked Edith to let me speak to you man
to man to let you know my intentions.-He seemed comfortable under his skin.
-
May
I know them?-I asked.
-
I
will do everything in my power to get Edith back and will give her the life she
wants here. Even when she has made it perfectly clear to me that she has no
intentions to come back nor she will let our
son sees me as his father. I know that´s what I deserve for not fighting for
her when I had the chance but I will not give up on her. We belong. I came to your house to tell it to your face, I
will not use Noah to get to her, I came to warn you that you will not get it
easy this time. Walk out now as Noah´s father, I will never prevent you from
him but leave Edith now.-the guy was looking directly at me.
He was definitely testing me.
-
You
seriously have some balls man! I give you that. I also appreciate that you are
honest about your intentions but you´re crazy if you think I will let you take
my family. Edith doesn´t love you and we are solid together. You´re just past
tense, so please leave my house in this instant. - I was defying him and
pointing to the door.
-
I
will leave when Noah wants me to.
-
You
were never taught to give a clean fight, right? - I asked.
-
No,
Christopher I wasn´t. So, if you would excuse me, I have to return to my son´s party. I´m glad we cleared the
air; it was great talking to you. - He said sarcastically while walking out of
my studio.
I knew that it was too good to be
true. This man was going to make things difficult but I wasn´t going to let him
win.
This is MY FAMILY not his.
So long for: “I
finally accepted that this man wasn´t my enemy nor my competition and that I
needed to be more flexible regarding him.”
The War is on.
Christopher Carpenter.
***
Boys and their pissing contest, that doesn´t go
with me!
Paradise was three days ago when it
only existed my new life with Chris and Noah. After listening to the mature
conversation between those two I knew exactly how things would end and all the
hot sex in the world would help me keep myself on the ground and away from
Edward Woods. Using sex as a weapon will end up back firing at some point and
Christopher will get hurt.
I tried to stay calm but even I knew
that my charade wasn’t convincing. Their conversation was still in my head. He said that he will fight for me. Why
now? I love my family and I won’t let him ruin this for me. After I left
England I blocked all the suffering, the tears and the things I had to endure
to overcome that pain. I can’t go back to the state of mind I was in.
I went back to the yard, before they would
notice, to attend the guests. Edward entered first and approached Noah.
Noah seems to adore Edward; he introduced him
to all his friends at the party:
-
Hey
guys, this is my friend Edward. He’s from England.
Mom went paranoid when she saw him, ran to the
kitchen and started crying. I had to tell hell that it was Chris’s idea and
that we were fine. She looked at me and then calmed down, a few minutes later I
saw her talking to Edward, only God knows about what. I had to check on Chris to see how his mood
was.
-
Where
were you darling? - Yes, I played that card.
-
Having
an interesting conversation with your ex.-The curve ball hit me in the left
cheek.
-
That
was totally unnecessary, Christopher.-I left before he could speak.
I don’t think anyone saw me except Edward. He
followed me to the house and of course Chis too.
-
What
did he do to you?-He asked worried.
-
Nothing
I just need to be alone.
-
What
are you doing here? Leave my wife alone!-Chris yelled.
-
Would
you both just stop already! Leave me alone, both of you. This is getting out of
hand.-I said but they both began to argue.
-
You
have no right to be here, you abandoned them. I took care of everything and
gave them a home. - Chris spit on Edward’s face but that statement was directed
to me.
-
I
cannot believe you just said that, Christopher.-I demanded
-
Edith,
wait! Please I didn’t mean it that way.-He was trying to take it back.
-
In
which way did you mean it asshole!-Edward pushed him and that was the drop to
fill the cup.
They punched each other’s faces until Mason
came in to separate them and took Edward outside.
-
Edith,
come with me?-He was begging me.
-
Don’t
leave me! I’m sorry.-Christopher said.
I looked one and then the other. Under these
conditions I couldn´t decide anything.
-
Edward,
leave now and don’t you dare to come back.
-
Christopher,
you will not stay in the house while I’m here and you will not come with us to
Africa.
I went inside the house and closed the door.
Edith Carpenter, not a toy.
****
Senior won´t wait
If they think that I would stay calm
until they tell me their version of their story, they are wrong. My jet will
land on time for supper. I need to know if that boy is my grandson and if he is
I have every intention of recognizing him but I know will find resistance. She
will be guarding like a hawk, she won´t let me through without a fight and I
shall give her one.
Mason´s face when he picked me up at
the airport wasn´t approving but who cares.
-
Senior,
they´re not here. The boy accompanied the mother to a trip in Africa.-He
stopped me.
-
You´re
lying. - I said.
-
I´m
not. They just boarded, I took them to the airport. Edith fought with Edward
but I drove them safely to their destination.-He seemed worried.
-
So,
is true. He´s my grandson?-I demanded.
-
Apparently
but no DNA tests were performed.-He said.
-
Do
you think we need one?
-
For
emotional confirmation? No. Are you planning for Edward to share custody? Then just to complete paper work, Yes. Bottom
line, Noah Carpenter is your grandson.
I sat down in one of the chairs in
the VIP lounge. All this years, I was blaming that girl for risking a
catastrophe in our family. She never told us nor claims her son´s rights.
-
I´m
a terrible person, right?- I asked
-
Yes,
you´re. - He answered without hesitation.
-
Where
is Ruth? - I asked begging for the mercy I never deserved.
-
Senior,
no! You will not do that.-He was mad.
-
Mason,
my life is not for you to control. If I want to see Ruth I will. - I was clear
as glass.
-
No
you won´t, she´s with Edith. Senior, after all the years I´ve been with you it doesn´t bring one good memory of you making
things right. I thought you were a good man. What the fuck happened to you?
He looks at me and tells all of that
without hesitation. When would I stop?
-
Nothing
happened to me. You know I need to protect my family’s legacy, I wasn´t taught anything
else.
-
Why
do you need to be so cruel? You hurt Ruth; you damaged Edith and your own son,
now you want to go for Noah. Let this go.
-
I
can´t. That child is my only chance to make everything right. - I started
looking at the floor.
-
I
don´t believe you. - He called my bluff.
-
Take
me to see Edward now. I want to verify if that boy is part of my family.-I
demanded.
-
Find
him yourself.-He walked out not looking back.
I pissed him off but he will come
around. He always does, so let me find my car to get to my hotel and then off
to see my beloved son.
Allan Reginald Woods III.
***
South Africa.
At this point, I´m no longer
interested in keeping Senior safe; my lifetime purpose was to dedicate myself
to the Woods as my family has for the last 4 generations. I´m fed up, I feel
I’ve been guarding and protecting the wrong person. My father always told me to
never get involved in the Woods affair so I could keep my sanity. I definitely
understand this now. Noah is just a boy. I can´t let Senior damage his life
too. I just can´t.
I bought a plane ticket, I have my
bags packed. My cell phone hasn´t stop ringing. Edward has left me tons of
messages. I just don´t have neither the patience nor the stomach for this
anymore. I will protect the people who actually need me. I know where she is, I
know how to get there. It´s just matter of time. In time I will be there for
them for as long as they´ll have me.
The free encyclopedia states that Africa is
the world's second-largest and second-most-populous continent. In this country, Edith Willes decides to lose herself and follow her
heart through the Richard Willes Foundation. I´ve been reading about their
history and background while in the plane, Richard Willes was a philanthropic
entrepreneur that dreamed to establish in Cape Town South Africa with his wife
Ruth Willles and Daughter Edith. He traveled several times to Africa throughout
the year and established a School, a health care center and a clean water
supply post. After his passing, his daughter and wife carried on until the
foundation grew and was formally established in Connecticut.
Every year Edith travels to their
Cape Town post to assess the needs, which town would they concentrate on, what
would be the expenses, she visits the tribes, get to know their leaders. She is
really detail oriented and this is the reason why they always meet their
targets and receive over two million dollars benefits on their yearly fund raiser
gala. I had to know what was I dealing with and understand why this was so
important to her. This is the type of mother Noah deserves and I would fight to
protect him so he could grow in this environment rather than the one Senior
wants for him.
I just arrived to Cape Town,
according to my research I came in the middle of winter: “Cape Town has a warm-summer
Mediterranean climate with
mild, moderately wet winters and dry, warm or hot summers. Winter, which lasts
from the beginning of June to the end of August, may see large cold fronts
entering for limited periods from the Atlantic Ocean with significant precipitation and strong north-westerly
winds.” I came prepare with regular England winter clothes since this town is
close to the coast and won´t be as bad as I know it could get. It´s a really
nice view from the plane, Table Mountain to my left and the huge City Bowl in
front of me. I understand why she loves it here.
Edith´s staying at The Andros, and
her team rented the entire hotel for their stay. They will remain here for one
whole month for their medical Outreach preparation and then hit back home for
the Gala to obtain the resources for the event.
I need to explain why I´m here and
hope for her to accept what I came to offer.
-
Before
you closed the door in my face, please hear what I came to say. No one has sent
me, I´m here because I want to. - I stopped the door from closing.
She hesitated but once looking at me
she decided to let me in. Noah was reading some books and didn´t notice I was
there.
-
Fine.
What is it? - She was eager to know.
-
I
owed you an answer from our first conversation ten years ago.-I replied.
-
There´s
no need any more Mason.-she was direct.
-
I
know but the things have changed for me since I knew about Noah existence.
Senior arrived 2 days ago in Connecticut to find him but you were on your way
here. He will do everything in his power to get custody for Edward and Noah´s
life as you know it will become another Wood´s sad story of survival in their
own jungle. I´ve seen what you had to sacrifice to give this child a chance of
a normal fulfilling life. I´m here to help you and this time I´m going to
protect both of you. Please let me.
She looked at me in disbelieve and
with wary eyes, she seemed not comfortable with my proposal.
-
You
have been loyal to that family for decades, how do you expect me to believe one
word you would say to me.-She had every right not to.
-
Yes,
you´re right about my loyalty but you also you know how to call bullshit when
you see one. Just as you did with Senior the day you agreed to leave. Look at
me and tell me if you think I´m lying to you? - I wanted her to see.
She stood there looking at me while
in silence assessing my body language.
-
Alright
Mason, I accept your offer. I´m worried about Noah, especially after the
argument we had back home and now after you told me that Senior wants to be in
his life.-She replied.
-
I
won´t let him near him but I also need you trust me, because in order to make
Senior back off we need o play as he plays.- I had to let her know about my
intentions.
-
I
understand but I also want to keep Noah safe and avoid any complications. You
know what he´s capable of. - She said.
-
Because
I know what he can do, you need to trust me. Once Senior is in the picture,
everything WILL get complicated. Do you understand? - I asked.
-
Yes.
- She replied.
-
Do
you think that you can trust me? - I had to ask.
She was hesitant.
-
Yes,
Mason. I can try but if you double cross me, you will regret the day you were
born. This is my son who is at risk and for him I´m capable of everything. Do
you understand THAT?
-
Yes,
I do and I don´t expect anything less from you. So, should we get started? - I
asked.-Oh one more thing Edith.
-
Yes?
- She looked confused.
-
The
price for my services is totally irrefutable and we will not discuss this
beyond today. Are we clear?-I said.
-
I
don´t care how much it will cost me. - She replied.
-
Good,
because it will not cost you anything and now I have your word that we´ll keep
it that way. - Just like that I sealed the deal.
She laughed and then we proceeded to
discuss the details of this trip, in terms of security I needed to know
everything. Edith introduced me to Noah and her staff as the new head of
security for the foundation and then I was shown the room I would be staying.
Senior would have a heart attack when he finds out and just the thought of it
made me smile. He was finally going to get what he deserves.
I reviewed with Edith several
documents we needed to start processing to prepare for Senior´s lawyers
invasion. She also involved one of the Staff lawyers that were with us at the
time. Senior will not win this, even if it has to be the last thing I will ever
do to set things right. Noah Carpenter will not enter their world and that´s my
new life purpose.
Mason Windstock, Head of Security of the
Richard Willes Foundation.
***
Thirst.
It took me several days adjusting to
the new changes in our lives. Having him hovering 24/7 around us has been
challenging. I wonder what the Woods did when they found out.
Noah loved this trip; we embarked
upon a tented camp walking safari around the Kruger National Park. There can be
no better way to experience nature than allowing yourself to leave footprints
in the wild as you searched for the wildlife that lives there. He played with
Lions, tigers and elephants. He told me that he wanted to be a Veterinarian
when he grows up. Mason was there and looked at me with a smile, he´s so
protective with us. I have lowered my guard a little but I still keep my eyes
open, is really difficult to assimilate that he´s looking out for us now
instead of against.
We closed all the details for the Medical
Outreach planned for January. I had all the data we needed for the Gala and we
were ready to return.
The Gala is our next big thing,
since we need all the resources to buy equipment and medications along with all
the expenses to develop the area will be visiting: Bujumbura, Burundi. We went
with the crew to assess the area where we would work and located the place we
would stay. It’s a big house located about six hundred meters above the town
with a magnificent view, the locals call it “Good Life” and from that view life
seems perfect, calmer and at peace. Everything is ready for our work there we
only need to touched willing hearts for us to find the money.
I arrived home early in the evening,
there were no signs of Christopher. We talked several times through Skype, he
apologized every single time. Things seemed to be normal between us but I was
out for a month and we both seemed distanced. I walked into an empty house that
one month ago was full of color and the joy of a circus. The house where I’ve
been happy in my bubble away from the complications I tried to run from but
followed me to my door footsteps. Things will never be the same, I know now and
I knew then.
I took Mason to his room, the house
was big enough for both of us, and he would be staying in the first floor in
the left wing with his own kitchen, office and bedroom. I insisted to prepare
dinner to the four of us, he didn’t say no as he usually did in Africa and for
some reason my mom smiled about it but my curiosity was interrupted by a call
from the main gate.
-Mrs. Carpenter, there’s a Mr. Woods
to see you ma’am.-Ruben said.
I looked at Mason and he approved.
This was part of the drill back in Africa, I had to consult with him everything
for him to give his approval in terms of security. We discussed that when time
would come for me to talk to Edward I had to try the civilized way first since
he was nothing like his dad.
-Let him in please. - I replied.
After a few minutes the bell rang.
Mason opens the door.
-Good evening Mason, may I come in?
- He sounded polite.
He was directed to the living room.
-What can we do for you Edward?
Shouldn’t you be with your wife back in England?- I asked.
-No, I’m right where I should be.
Can we have a normal conversation, please?
-Ok.
-I know things got out of hand but
I’m just not going to sit and wait. I lost my family once and I just can’t
handle that again.-he seemed troubled.
-We’re both married and I don’t want
my son near Senior. - I was clear.
-First of all, I’m no longer
married. Second, I don’t want Senior near our son either.-he finished me.
-Wait, you’re not?-I was shocked.
- No, I’m not and if me not
requesting custody as Noah’s father would keep Senior away I will not do that
either.- he said.
-I honestly don’t know what to say
to all this.- I was standing up the entire time but now I was sitting.
-Say that you choose me. That we can
start a family together this time. That this is the chance life is giving us to
make things right. Please say yes to us. – He was appealing my heart.
-I can’t say those things Edward.
Even when I want to. We’re different; we’re not the same people we used to be.
You don’t know me and I don’t have a clue of who you are.- I was brutally honest.
-Look at me Edith, look closer. Yes,
we changed because nothing stays the same but what we felt was not touched
neither by time nor the future. I didn’t stopped loving you and that didn’t
change for me. Did you?- he finished me.
-No but my love for you changed when
I had Noah. You gave me something that I would never share with anyone but
things changed. I learned how to live without you, I overcome all the pain of
being away from you and what I felt for you feels like it faded away. I’m no
longer the Edith Willes you knew Edward and who I am now doesn’t fit in your
world. I will ask Mason to see you out, good bye.- I was finished.
He stood there. Looking at me. I
looked back holding my ground. He started walking my way. He wouldn’t stop
looking with those penetrating blue eyes like he was on fire. Suddenly the
impulse was unexpected and reciprocated by me. He kissed me in a way I have
never being kiss before him nor after him. He held my face and claimed with his
tongue a decade of suppressed feeling. Feeling I decided to hide because I could
only let them out with him. I returned each kiss back, there was a force in me
stronger than my defense mechanism, an electricity hitting my stomach up and
down forcing me to fly and touch earth, there was an untamed urge that was
telling me I needed to take my clothes off and let him possess all of me.
-Come.- I said letting my instinct
take me to the end without restrictions.
I took him to the first guests’ room
closest to the stairs, the way we were, we couldn’t get any further. He
undressed me next to the door as we closed it, he slowly pulls all the way up
my cardigan dress letting my white transparent lace for him to admire and he
did. I walked towards him and kneeled to let him loose so we could both enjoy
ourselves. I put my mouth covering him and start my sweet torture talk using my
lips, my tongue and my throat, he goes insane. I was responsible for that face,
he was totally at the mercy of my mouth and he let me take him to a pleasurable
journey. As I kiss him there my body
was also burning in and out, I could feel something liquid running to let the
world know I was ready and as he could read my mind, in a second, I was gently
placed in the bed.
-Edith, I’m not going to make love
to you.
- No, you’re not.
You can’t call this love making, yes
there was love involved but there wasn’t nothing mechanical as making in this
room. Simply two bodies which each souls were thirsty for a long time. A very
long and dry decade.
Edith.
***
Back to my life.
I just can´t believe all of this bloody
shite!
She abandoned me ten years ago, I
finally find her and discovered I have a son then she kicked me out of her
house? This woman drives me insane. Now I have to wait an entire month away
from her until I can see them again. This is just frustrating.
Mason doesn´t pick up the phone, I
told him to take them safely to the airport but I haven´t heard from him. Is it
me, or the entire world is against me?
I´m getting ready for supper at the
hotel, I´ve been running the business from here because there´s no way I will
leave without my real family. Deborah has been calling me every hour or so to
find out when I´m going back. She has left lots of messages but I just don´t
have the stomach for it. Then, just when I thought life was complicated enough
someone sits with me at my table.
-Hello, son. Right on time to join
you for supper.-He was sarcastic.
-What bloody hell are you doing here
father? Bugger off you Twonk. - I was annoyed.
-Calm down son. I´m just here to
look out for our best interest. Let’s eat and discuss DNA testing
afterwards.-He went for the kill.
-Senior, you stay away from MY son
and Edith. Do you understand? - I was threatening him.
-What would you do exactly if not
what I tell you to? Uh? Tell me you peace of shite. That child would be the
heir of our family since that wife of yours is as useful as tits on a bull and
she can´t bear children. You sit the fuck down, and have dinner with your
father so you won´t end up penniless in the streets.
-Listen to me you sack of wine,
listen carefully. You will not come near that child even if it´s the last thing
I´ll ever do. You can´t take shit from me, you´re too old to regain the board
or make them support you and remember that I assumed all the capitals of the
family when you retired. You´re the one that is penniless and at my mercy so
fuck off and leave us alone.
-Oh my dear stupid son, you´re
forgetting that you need a male heir to fully obtain all the assets of the
family. And if you don´t then it all goes back to me. Fuck me sideways! Aren´t your ancestors a pain
in the bum. - He laughs out loud and clear.
- Senior, you forgot that all of the
new profitable companies that are actually making us rich where founded by me and
are under Mason´s name until I decide. You won´t leave me without money and if
I pull out and separate from your fucking ancestors legacy you will be
bankrupt. How about that old man, who´s the stupid one now arsehole? - Victory
was sketched in my face.
He stood up and was leaving.
-Oh, and by the way. Going back and
telling Deborah won´t make you no good either. Don´t forget about the Prenup
and since we haven´t got any kids you will be responsible to reattribute her
for the losses. - That would be enough to keep him busy until he finds another
way to attack. I was ready for round two so let´s see how round three goes.
He left not before looking at me
with disdain and threaten to come back.
I went back to my room with a sense
of winning a lifetime war with Senior but that happy moment was brief since I
had one more thing pending. It was time to call Deborah.
-Darling, are you ok? I have left
you thousands of messages. - She seemed worried.
-Deborah, I asked Jane to book you
in the next flight. Can you come? - I asked.
-Of course. See you soon.
I went to bed to rest and to prepare
for the tsunami. Called the lawyers to get everything ready for my divorce. I
wasn´t going to stay in the façade that my father wanted. I have wasted ten
years of my life pretending and I just don´t want this anymore. With this
thought I drove to a deep sleep and woke up in the morning renewed. I received
Deborah in the room and discussed the arrangement.
-
What
a long flight, I’m exhausted. - She said putting all the things in the table
and saying hi to me with a kiss in the cheeks. Always in the cheeks.
-
Deborah,
we need to talk. - I asked her to sit.
I told her the entire story from
beginning to end. She stayed calm and let me finish.
-
Deborah,
I just don´t want us to waste our lives anymore. You never loved me neither did
I. We have arrange all the necessary things for you to live accommodated but I
no longer wish to stay married with you. I need to reunite with my family. It was never my intention to hurt you but
this business transaction can´t continue.
For a decade I never seen hope in her face,
like I took a big burden off her shoulders.
-
I
see. Well, I never thought I would me more relieved. I can finally open up and
live my life as I was intended to. Edward you were a good husband to me even
when we both knew our arranged marriage was a mistake. I could´ve never been
happy with you because I don´t like men. I´m a lesbian. So, where do I sign? -
She looked relieved while I was shocked.
I called Jane and instructed her
with all the details and the lawyers would meet with Deborah when she would
return home.
-
I
wish you best of luck; we both deserve to be happy. - she said. We hugged and just like that Deborah
was out of my life.
I wished her well and
we said our goodbyes.
The phone rang to
bring more news.
-Hi Mason, where you´ve been? What
do you mean in your new job? Stop playing. You´re in Africa, doing what? What
bloody hell are you talking about? ... I see. Ok, I will see you when you
return. Can I call you to this number to check on Edith and Noah? What do you
mean about security breach in your current contract? This is ridiculous, it´s
me you´re talking. Hello? Hello? Mason?
And just like that I lost my head of
security.
Edward Woods.
****
Parenthesis.
Finding myself surprised at my age
is something I never thought it would happen to me. I´m not used to people
being kind to me. I’m usually the invisible force protecting others even from
themselves, I´m never the center of neither attention nor have time to smile as
often as I want.
She has been making me feel
different and for the first time special. This was unexpected. Is there an age
for love, for feelings, for new opportunities? Is there a clock that prevents
us from chasing our dreams when the hair is gray and the years mark our face? But I don´t feel old, I feel like me. Do I
have the right to give myself the opportunity of dreaming with hazel eyes and
soft hands? Am I someone that can be courageous enough to think I can conquer
Ruth Willes?
Three weeks have passed since we´ve
been here.
That night when I arrived and talked
to Edith about my intentions Ruth started treating me different. Good
different. I love our every night walk after everyone is sleeping and it´s just
the two of us. She has told me about her life before her husband and how they
were very happy. Of course we talked about Senior and how that part of her life
is in the past. She smiles at me and makes me blush. Imaging blushing at sixty
four, she makes me feel like I´m twenty again and it´s has been a long time
since I’ve been with a woman.
Last night we hold hands on our way
to the port in Table Bay and I thought I was holding a piece of heaven, like
this would be the closest I would be of paradise. I ask again, is this normal
at our age? I feel strangely good. I wonder if Edith would approve but Edith
told me that we´re adult and old enough to know that all that matters is us and
what we want. I´m giving in too fast but then again at our age time is precious
and everything needs to find meaning fast since time is something that doesn´t
play in our favor.
This makes me understand that no
matter how long love takes to knock at our doors, he´s always welcome. No
matter when he will always take our breath away making us feel we´re capable of
the impossible. That´s how I feel right now and I intend to spend the rest of
my life exploring this feeling.
With the days passing and time
hitting out body making our moves slower, our hair a progressing snow storm, our face into a map of life where each line
represents joy or sorrow, our laughter more meaningful, our presences sometimes
not necessary , our chest heavy with history and our hands full of things that
may vanish in a glimpse. Time may do all of that but there´s always a reason
that makes it all worth it. Love and it´s purity.
Surprised Manson Windstock.
***
Disaster.
If anyone would have
told me that I was capable of ruin and fixing my life in the same day I would
have laugh and said that they are crazy.
I woke up between the
soft covers of the bed and feeling a warm embrace holding me tight unwilling to
let me go. I turned and I see him
sleeping peacefully with a serene expression on his face and a slow breathing.
The sun is touching the window too bright and I just can´t believe that we fell
sleep together for more than ten hours. I don´t remember the last time I slept
so long, I don´t remember the last time that I felt so complete like I finally
found my right place. The right place is between his arms under these covers,
the place where I fully exist and I feel my life has sense. His arms are good
like that.
As I´m meditating and
looking at the sealing, he moves and tickles me in the stomach.
-What are you
thinking?- He asks and I turn to see his face.
-We are crazy Edward!
– That´s all I could explain.
- Only for each other-
He smiles with ten thousand stars illuminating my heart.
- We need to talk to Noah
and I would like for us to do it together. Would you go with me to pick him up
at school?- I felt like I was fifteen and I was on my first date.
-Really? Yes, of course we´ll go together- He said.
Then I heard how the
world collapsed;
-Ruth where´s my wife?
What is Mason doing here? Is Edward here? Edith!!
I run to find some
clothes and asked Edward to stay. I go downstairs and find him in a very
agitated state.
-Christopher, calm
down. You know that Mason is our head of
security. Please calm down. - I said I was heading downstairs.
He looked at my
clothes noticing I was in my evening gown and just as I blinked to try to
explain I felt the hard slap that knocked me down. It was so hard that I felt
the tears coming out but the rage running in my veins wouldn´t let me give him
the pleasure. By the time I was going to react Mason was holding him and
forcing him to the ground.
-Edith, are you ok? -
Mason asked.
Mom was screaming like
crazy and called Ruben. In less than 10 minutes a Police patrol was heading
home. Mason asked me to go upstairs and change
translations: go and don´t let Edward come downstairs. My face was burning and
throbbing faster, the headache was getting worse and I couldn´t open my mouth
too wide. When I arrived to the guest room, Edward was sitting trying to
contain himself.
-Just tell me if he
didn´t hit you?- He was looking to the floor with his hands closed attached to
the bed.
-If you go downstairs,
things will be worse and he could try to take Noah from me. Please let Mason
handle this.
-No! That piece of
shit dare to raise his hand on you, I just can´t sit here and let him do that even if he thinks he has the
right we should never hit a woman- he was exploding.
- Edward breathe, this
will be over soon. Let me change and go downstairs to talk to the police.
He went to the
bathroom and locked the door.
When I went
downstairs, Mason was talking to the officers.
-We apologize for the
inconvenience officer; my boss accidentally tripped and fell. We took things
out of proportion and called you guys, right Mr. Carpenter? - Mason looked at
Christopher and he agreed with his statement.
-Well, it seems that
everything is in order and our work here is done. Mrs. Carpenter, do you have
anything to declare? - One of them asked me.
-No, officer my
husband is fine. We apologized for all the trouble. - I was still, trying not
to show the side of my face that was all red on its way to becoming purple.
They left and Mason
asked both of us to step into the studio. I was confused with all the recent
events.
-As we discussed
Christopher, there´s no need to involve the authorities. You can see here that
you have everything to lose if Edith submits a domestic violence case against
you. You will sign the divorce papers and you will not request Noah´s custody
but Edith will grant you visitation. Every document here specifies that she
will keep all assets obtained while married and she agrees not to touch your
precious clinic and all the earnings because let´s be honest she doesn´t need
it. Edith you have no business being married to this man and as your advisor
this is better to be finished in good terms. Christopher, this is as good as it
gets for you. Do you agree? - Mason took care of it with an objective reasoning
because my head was still locked in the moment Christopher hit me.
- I don´t agree but
you´re not leaving me any choice, right?
-Exactly.-Mason
finished
-Edith…- he tried to
talk to me.
-Take the deal
Christopher so it wouldn´t be worse on you. - I couldn´t look at him
- You slept with him
in our own house, how do you think that makes me feel? I just reacted because I was hurt. - He had
to say it.
- You don´t have the
right!!!! I could have slept with one thousand men and that doesn´t give you
the right to lay a finger on me. Sign the papers and get out of my life, I was fooled and you made me believe that you
were the right choice. It´s clear that following my instinct was the correct
path. - I spit.
- Fine, I will sign
the damn papers.- he said while taking a
pen and placing his signature in all the sheets Mason will showed him.
-Mason, see him out. -
I said while slamming the door.
Edith Carpenter no
more.
***
The Richard Willes
Fundraiser Gala.
Every year for the
last nine winters we reunite New York´s finest families in the Bartow-Pell Mansion
to contribute with a great cause: Try to erase hunger, bring medical first aid,
build a new school and a water supply for the community to access clean water.
This would be my first
year hosting without my husband Christopher, I´m very nervous. Two months have
passed since we sign the divorce papers and after thirty days of completing all
the process I was no longer Mrs. Carpenter. He comes to the house every
afternoon to see Noah supervised by Mason. Things seem practical and mature
from his part but I always sense that the worse will happened in any minute.
Knowing how competitive my ex- husband is he won´t let Edward and me win this
one easy. I will be prepare.
Everything is ready;
this year´s theme is the 1920´s and the American Dream. The Mansion´s garden
was recreated into the Roaring Twenties. According
to what I read: “The spirit of the Roaring Twenties was marked by a general
feeling of discontinuity associated with modernity and a break with traditions.
Everything seemed to be feasible through modern technology. New technologies,
especially automobiles, moving pictures and radio proliferated "modernity"
to a large part of the population. Formal decorative frills were shed in favor
of practicality in both daily life and architecture. At the same time, jazz and
dancing rose in popularity, in opposition to the mood of the specter of World
War I. As such, the period is also often referred to as the Jazz Age.”
I never knew that Jazz
was the music of the soul, the illumination and the amazing band made us go
back to that amazing age. Everyone was absolutely into the theme, the music,
the amazing food and dancing their hearts out. I arrived in a crashing crazy red
1923 Duesenberg model A.
-“The 1920's gave us
some of the most beautiful classic cars. It was the transition period from the
bland and practical Model T to the stunningly beautiful and luxurious road machines”.
- Rhys Gerholdt said.
He was absolutely
right.
My gown was an
inspired Loretta Young Channel dress that would blend with my silhouette softly.
I was hair styled accordingly and my neck and ears were covered in all the
jewelry from the Harry Winston house. The foundation always throws the best
parties so I´m always treated with the best but that just don´t go with my
personality, I like simple and comfortable. However, is for a good cause and I
only have to endure this craziness once a year.
I reunited with old friends, met new ones and
in any opportunity I had I encouraged them to accompany us in our upcoming
medical outreach but as usually excuses
of schedules were presented, some prefer to contribute with money and a few
signed in to volunteer. The important thing is that we could involve everyone
with whatever they can support. I was
escorted to my table and Mason was three steps away from me. Even after Edward
and I got back together he didn´t accept his old job back, his loyalty was to
me and Noah. He has managed to coordinate my life´s agenda in an IPAD and
advises me with everything I request council for. Edward went back to England
one month ago to settle all the things with his companies and the final
settlement of his divorce. Senior isn´t happy and eventually we´ll feel the
consequences of his wrath. Bring it Senior; today I feel I can conquer the
world.
The waiters offered us
with the finest champagne, the event´s program and menu. All so 1920-like and
with such elegance that sometimes it surprises me how I’m part of the circle of
life where I can be with the people that can make a difference and change the
world. In the program I see that there would be a Single Ladies Auction: “Beauties
helping Burundi”. My friend Lydia, who is sitting next to me, starts talking
about it.
-Edith, you should
participate. You need to get out there and find a hot date. – She´s winking he
left eye.
-No, Lydia. That´s for
the younger single ladies. I think I’ll pass. - I was trying to be polite.
And before I could
prevent her from ruining my night she wrote my name and places it in the silver
plate the waiter was holding.
-You will be fine, you
need to have fun. It´s not a secret that Christopher was never the right match
for you. Light up girl! – She said.
Lydia is an afro-
American goddess from a very wealthy family in Long Island, we´ve been friends
for a long time now and even when sometimes we spend lots of time apart she gets me and I her.
Honesty is the signature in our friendship and I thank her for that.
The nigh takes it´s
curse and I completely forgot about the auction since I´m busy telling everyone
about how beautiful Burundi is and all the necessities we can help with. In
less than a few minutes I have a big crowd listening to me and writing checks
like crazy. I believe this would be a great night for us. Then the Master of Ceremony calls our
attention and my stomach starts to tremble.
-Ladies and Gents is
time for our BHB auction, get
together and prep your check books we have a great list of sophisticated single
ladies.
We were instructed to
join the stage and one by one waited to be present to the crowd. The young girl
that went before me with such perfect blonde hair and stunning figure got
thirty five grand. Good for her! Lord, have mercy. Here we go.
-And now, our
beautiful host and President of the Richard Willes foundation. She doesn´t need
any description boys. Who wants the pleasure of dancing this evening with her?
Are you ready boys! She deserves all of your attention. The beautiful Edith
Willes.
I go into the stage
and they were all clapping, I turned into Poison red, please God make this go
fast. The MC continued.
-Look at that
reception Mrs. Willes! Boys bring the money. Who gives ten? Thank you gentleman
in the purple suit, very eclectic Sir. Let´s go crazy here, who raises to
fifty, isn´t she worth it look at her boys.
-I give fifty five
thousand dollars!- Said a guy in a black
suit.
-I´ll raises him to
seventy thousand dollars! - Someone in the back said. I could not see him.
-I will meet the same
amount and will raise you to ninety thousand dollars!- the Guy in the black
suit was proud and look to the back to see his opponent.
-Look at that, ladies
and gents these two are going for the kill. Do I hear anyone offering two
hundred thousand dollars?
The guy on the black
suit raises his hand to agree with the amount. I can´t see his face but he must
be at his limit because he look at his phone like he was checking something.
-
I
will give one million dollars to the foundation to dance with that beautiful
woman.- the guy in the back said.
Everyone started
clapping and talking to each other trying to recognized him. All the girls were
shocked because there I was the oldest of the pack, recently divorced yet
someone has found me interesting. I could hear them mumbling and almost choking
on their own envy.
-One million dollars
going once, going twice. Sold the the mysterious man in the back come and claim
your price.- the sound of the wooden hammer made me go back to my reality.
I was still locked in
the outrageous offer; I went down the stage to meet the winner. The path opened
and I could see the man who was insane enough to offer all that money. Then it
hit me and yes I was shocked and surprised.
-Hello Ms. Willes, do
you think I went overboard. - He approached my ear and my entire body felt it.
-Edward, are you mad?
- It was all I could say.
The music started and
so was our dance.
-I couldn´t refuse to
help the foundation plus I got a beautiful prize and there was no way I would
let anyone dance with you except me. So,
relax and let´s enjoy this together, deal? - He said and I blushed as I smiled.
I could see Lydia
smiling and telling me from a far:
-Lucy, you have some explaining to do!
Edith Willes.
***
Two faced.
I arrived a little
late to the Gala on purpose because I didn´t want her to see me. I saw her
walking to the stage and heard some of the men around me talking.
-
Edith
Willes is single again! Who would be the lucky one?
I´ll be the lucky one gentleman!
I heard the Master of ceremony
introduce each bachelorette until the object of my attention was the one to be
auctioned next. I have to win her back and I will play the game for as long as I
can but apparently I wasn´t the only one. I dwelled with another man for as
long as my pocket could handle and then hit crashed my dreams.
-
I
will give one million dollars to the foundation to dance with that beautiful
woman. –
And just like that I had lost her
again.
When I finally saw who I was competing with I knew
I didn´t stand a chance, once again Edward Woods is in my way.
-
Christopher,
it would be wise if you would let this go once and for all. - My thoughts were
interrupted by Mason.
-
Would
I be worth of her if I would? - I replied looking at him because there was no
way he would make a public scene.
-
You
were at a certain point but then you showed your true colors. Do you think that
just because she never found out that you had several affairs you have the
right to call yourself the victim here?- He was shocked on my response but I continued.- Yes, I know all about it,
as a matter of fact, I know that you´re
involved with your secretary right now. I know about your singular tastes, all
your depravation plus all your debts and gambling, you don´t have the
foundation to back you up now to give
you the lifestyle you´re accustom to and that´s what´s killing you not that you
love Edith but what she gave you. This is all about money, that´s what drives
you, so don´t stand here as the soul broken husband betrayed by your wife. If
you even try to discredit her I will turn this around and you´ll be the one
with the big problem. It´s my job to protect her and Noah and something about you
made me dig a little deeper. You´re quiet a piece of human being. So, I suggest
you stop whatever you´re trying to initiate against them, you won´t win and I will
make sure you lose everything. Take this a warning, next time I won´t be so condescending.
Ruben, will see you out. - he said while extending his hand and directing me to
Ruben, then I saw them dancing together like if the world was a happy place and
rage took my eyes.
Mason did his homework, now it was time to do
mine. I don´t give a fuck if I lose everything as long as I see them fall and
suffer the way I am.
Christopher Carpenter.
***
Discovering
Telling Noah about my existence
was the most challenging and painfull thing I have ever experienced, it was one
week after the incident with Christopher at their house. Before setting a day
and time we decided to go together and seek professional help to deal with this
situation. With my background and history of family issues I needed to find a
way to make things stop with me and try to have a relationship with my son.
We went to a local
children specialist that was highly referred by someone in the foundation. This
doctor was a NYU scholar and according to what I read on his portfolio, he met
all the criteria. We made a session and explained our history together, and
then we had individual sessions with him that were very revealing to me. Finally
we agreed that he would join us for an in home session where he would
participate and walk us through telling Noah in the healthiest environment.
-Hi Noah, my name is
Doctor William Burroughs. Your mom invited me today so we can talk about
something very important. Can you help me discover the best way to explain to your
mother about how would you feel after we talk about something important? - He
was very pragmatic and a little too over his head regarding how to talk to a
child.
-Sure. - Noah said
while painting one of his wooden animal toys.
-Well, then. Do you
remember the day your mom told you that your dad Christopher was your second
Father?-he asked.
-Yes, that was one day
we were at a park. Daddy and mommy looked worried.-he said.
-That usually happens
when adults have some big news but they don´t know how that would make you
feel. Do you remember how did you feel when they told you? - The Doctor said assessing Noah´s reaction.
- I felt happy because
is not every kid that could have two dads but I also was wandering when would I
meet my first father. Noah stopped painting and looked at me. I don´t know why
he would.
-I see. Do you
understand what having a first father means?- The doctor insisted but without
pushing.
-It means that my Dad
Christopher is my adoptive father because he raised me but also treated me like
his son and that my first father is my biological father the one that conceive
me. - The kid was too smart and continued to paint. He was pretty good at both.
-Would you like to
meet your first father?- He said.
- Yes, I would but
Nana said that he lives in England and that we would need to take a plane to
get there. - Noah said.
-Nana talks about your
first father? - Edith asked.
-Yes, mom but only
when I ask her to. She told me that you don´t like to talk about him because
you were sad to leave England and you don´t want to return.- Noah said and Dr.
Burroughs looked at Edith and asked her to continue.
-Yes, I was sad
because I didn´t want to leave but I had to make that choice to give you a better
life. Please forgive me if I didn´t talked about your father and told you how a
wonderful man he is, that you are growing everyday and I can see lots of his
good qualities in you.- Edith started to cry.
- That´s ok mom, I know
you would tell me when you were ready. I just needed to be patient. - The kid
is amazing; I cannot believe he has my blood in his veins.
- Noah, we asked
several members of your family to be present when we talk about this. Do you
see anyone here that might not be family? - The doctor asked.
-Only Edward but mom
has taught me that all friends are like family so I guess everyone in this room
is family.-Noah left me speechless.
-Good but do you feel
like he is family? - He insisted.
- Umm…. Yes, otherwise
my mom wouldn´t let him be in our house too often. - he smiled.
- Ok. Edward, is there
anything you want to tell Noah? - The doctor throw me to the wolves.
- Noah, I am your
biological father. - When I said those words I felt a very unusual warmth in my heart. Noah jumped and hugged me. I have never cried in
my entire life like I did that day. I hugged him so tight.
The shrink was a genius;
he allowed us a moment alone for us to talk and asked Edith and Mrs. Willes to wait
outside.
-
Do
you understand that I never meant to leave you and your mother and that I really
love you very much? - I asked him.
He said yes with his head.
After we were done, the doctor asked me to
leave Noah with his mother.
I felt that my life was finally meaningful and I
had two things I needed to fight for.
Edward Woods.
***
Reasoning
Everyone always asks me why he´s called
the Black Prince. England is a wonderful place to keep some ancient stories alive
for centuries and even after all the time passes we always end up living the same
stories over and over again. Don´t get me wrong, there´s no place like our sweet
United Kingdom in the entire world and let´s face it we have the best
fairytales in the planet but no one talks about the suffering behind them nor
at what cost everyone keeps their beautiful smile rather than to cry for the
losses. The Woods have been part of this circle for a long time. My family have
served them since the days when slavery was a big dark age in our society, so
is safe to say that I have seen it all but I´ll be honest, I’ve never imagine that Senior could overcome all
of his ancestors and would try to harm his own blood.
Edward is trying hard to break paradigms,
after that meeting with the shrink to tell Noah that he´s his father I began to
truly admire his courage of going against what we were taught: Be cold, don´t
express your feelings, don´t be emotional, suppress any overwhelming happiness,
let the help handle the children, never accept nothing less than perfection.
Here was Edward Woods aiming for simplicity and a normal life as he was a regular mortal, as if he was part of earth
when he was taught otherwise. I must say it is I, who is learning from his audacity
and his free spirit ways. I´m learning that being old doesn´t prevent me from
changing, from starting over, from having dreams, from smiling for no reason,
from feeling my life is renewed by love. Ruth has been a true gift from Someone
I thought was dead or just simply decided to ignore me but it turns out He was
saving it for the best moment of my life and I would defend this with my teeth
until there is no strength in me to fight no more.
Christopher Carpenter has been
searching ways on how to harm my new family and I must say that he has devious
connections to obtain what he wants. We´ve were monitoring him every day since
that night conversation at the Gala. My contacts provided me with historic
gambling activities and all his misspends with the foundation money utilizing
Noah´s trust fund to cover his tracks. Yet his trying to harm his ex wife and
stepson, just because he got cut off. I won´t allow it, not in my watch. I made
a phone call to the IRS and the New York times, they would be interested in
knowing about his criminal activity and all the damage he tried to do to such noble
cause and his own family. Just like that, with a little spark and entire
enchanted forest goes melting down until is all over, but Senior had to get
involve to complicate my life.
-
Hi,
Mason.
-
Allan,
what do you think you´re doing? –I demanded.
-
I´m
just calling to say hi and to talk to my son, there´s some things we need to review
before he goes crazy and do something that will prejudice him.
-
You
are unbelievable, I just can´t understand you. Do you think that we don´t know
what you’re doing with Edith’s ex-husband?? Senior, walk out of this now before
you regret it. You still have a chance to make this right and be part of their
lives. You just need to lower your guard and Edward will lower his. Why can´t you
yield for once? Things changed, your son and his family renewed the entire
concept of what the Woods were or could be. Your grandson, your ONLY grandson
is an amazing boy that you would want to meet and have a relationship with. Can´t
you see all of that, Allan? Please stop now and don´t force me to follow you to
hell.
He stayed quiet. I could only hear
him breathing and I knew what that meant. The phone was disconnected.
Mason Windstock
****
The karyenda
January arrived faster
than expected. We were beyond blessed with the Gala fundraiser. We manage to
obtain double of the supplies and equipment needed and enough money to build
the school with a constant teaching program with an internship from NYU to
bring quality education. My heart jumps and dances with such joy I just can´t
stop smiling. I just can´t imagine that none of this would happen, I feel very
lucky to be part of this. Our team was bigger than ever and we had to place a
camp site next to the hotel in order to have enough space for all the meeting
plus the supplies. My moms stayed with Noah until he could get a few days off
from school and join us. Mason and Edward came with me because they were still
worried about Christopher and his whereabouts.
I once read that the first minutes of your days from when you
open your eyes until you decide to stand up from bed are the most crucial in
order to make your entire day a happy one or stressful. This morning I opened
my eyes and only one word is stuck in my mind: Grateful. I knew exactly what I
needed to do, my agenda was already set in my IPAD and my day was programmed
but the feeling that was running through my eyes way simply a humble “Thank you Lord”.
And top this morning, I
see him sleeping quietly next to me like it was the first time and we´ve been
together since ages. Life isn´t this perfect but today I was granted with
perfection, serenity, love and peaceful ways. Today, I´ve conquered my
happiness and even if this is the only moment I can get, this is more than
enough for a lifetime. Today, the world is a better place and heaven kissed earth
in the cheeks. Yeah, too cheese but I just can´t describe it any other way.
-Someone woke up happier
than usual today. - He said while rolling my hair between his hands.
-Yes. Just being thankful.
- I manage to say, turning to face him and sealing his lips with a kiss.
-Breakfast in bed? - He
asked me.
-Why do I have the feeling
that you´re not talking about food? - I was giggling.
Just like that, perfection
was invading our room and while the sun completed his appearance I was making
love to the man I was intended for.
Our first week in Burundi
was amazing, I got to see Edward acting like a child enjoying nature, climbing
coconut trees, riding elephants and jumping from rocks into a deep river.
The
clinic was up and running, the school was pretty advanced and also the water
supply was almost done.
At night we usually had the locals visit us , bringing
a feast along with karyenda. The
first day I didn´t understand all the noise and why it was done, when I
researched it, I found out that this was actually their way to connect earth
with a Higher and divine power: “The
karyenda is a traditional African drum. It was the main symbol of Burundi and
its mwami (kings) and had semidivine status. The mwami was said to interpret
the beatings of the karyenda into rules for the kingdom”. We were bringing
rules to the kingdom but not the types of rules that govern or prohibit. We
were bringing to their land what they deserved from the world to reinstate
their heritage. To make them part of the circle of life. Every night, I would
hear those drums and I was reminded of the power granted to humanity. Every
strike would make me understand it. We were gifted with the power of change and
impact in others life. That was the reason for their joy and this was simply
good enough for me.
Our daily routines were
much hectic than out nights, we had to wake up very early to open the clinic
and provide breakfast for the school workers and the others volunteers who were
helping in the Water pump project to provide for the community. This task was my
number one priority. Every Thursday, we had the general surgeons performed
their magic helping the most cases we could. The patients and their families would
bare gifts for the doctors, thanking us for the healings. This is the time of
the year where my heart is at its biggest with such environment of people helping
each other.
Remember when I was talking about
experiencing perfection in life, this was it for me.
All the things were going
according our plans…
Edith Willes.
***
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