Time for New Beginnings

by Mette Barfelt

  She got out of the car and knew something was wrong right away. Both Bettina, her brother, and Anneli were wearing black, and so were the older couple over at the staircase.

  “Christel,” Bettina cried and hugged her.

  “What happened?”

  “Aunt had problems with her heart last Sunday. She died at the hospital.”

  Christel covered her pale face. “I’m so sorry to hear that. We never should’ve come.”

  Bettina smiled weakly. “You didn’t know. How is Ted doing?”

  Preben lifted the baby out of the car seat and joined them. Smiling, he gave the boy to Christel. Ted was awake and looked at Bettina with big eyes. She was touched by this little prince who had been born in such a hurry.

  Anneli was tripping with impatience next to them. So Christel carefully put him in her arms.

  Bettina pulled the blanket around him. “I forgot to introduce you, Christel. These are my parents, Nita and Flemming. You know Anneli and my brother already.”

  They shook hands.

  “We were about to have lunch at the café. Would you like to join us? Lauritz is so magnanimous today that he is treating us all.” Nita looked impressed at her son, although he didn’t seem at all enthusiastic about the suggestion.

  “We would love to,” Preben said while he got the stroller out of the car. He greeted Bettina’s parents, whom he had met several times before. Christel suspected it was strange to see them again now that he was no longer with their daughter but with his ex-wife. He hadn’t planned on that when he suggested the impromptu visit. But if that was the case, he didn’t have to accept the offer to join them. The situation was awkward, and she regretted letting him talk her into coming. But thanks to Preben’s quick answer, it was too late to back off now. Bettina’s mother seemed to be welcoming, and as long as the baby was with them, there was always enough to talk about. They would have to make the best of it.

  ***

  At Café Solside, they were welcomed by the older waitress. “My condolences.” Vera stood in front of them with a solemn face. “I didn’t know her, but it’s always sad when something like this happens. Come, I’ll find you a table.”

  They followed her over to the window, where she put together two of the tables and handed out the menus. After some murmuring between them, they were ready to order.

  “So, three wraps with creole-marinated chicken, two beef stroganoff, and two crispy salmon,” Vera summed up.

  “Salmon for me as well,” Erik said behind Bettina’s back. “If you want me here. I see several people that you have a strained relationship with,” he said quietly, so only she could hear him.

  “Sure, Erik, I know you like the salmon.” The waitress nodded in approval on behalf of Harriet in the kitchen.

  Bettina was startled, but not at all disappointed. If Preben was with Christel, she could surely be here with a good friend.

  “I appreciate it. Is it your lunch break?”

  He smiled and sat next to her. “I had a cancellation. And I could nearly smell Vera’s lemon-peppered salmon all the way from the clinic.”

  “It’s the handsome doctor,” Nita whispered to Flemming, loud enough for everyone to hear.

  Erik turned slightly pink, Bettina got overly concerned with ordering drinks, Anneli played with Ted, and the two lovebirds had enough with themselves. Lauritz looked like he was bored out of his mind. He was counting down the hours to his departure the next day. Bettina inquired what everyone wanted to drink, and ordered.

  Christel managed to break free and started talking to Erik about life as a mother.

  The food was served, and their conversation turned to Aunt Mathilde. “How was the funeral?” Erik asked.

  She told him how it had been at the church, and how glad she was that it was over. Now she was looking forward to getting the meeting with the attorney over and done with. After that, she had to look to the future, and make the best of it at the guesthouse.

  “Lauritz is leaving tomorrow,” she whispered. “He bought a new ticket.”

  “That’s good. It will be easier for me to visit you then,” he whispered back.

  She giggled, despite not being the giggly type. But she was excited. It was a bizarre situation to be here with this group. It should be awkward, and in some ways it was, but Erik’s presence helped. She told him so, and got an innocent kiss on the cheek. The kiss didn’t go unnoticed. Nita seemed to be in as high spirits as her daughter, but at that moment the food was served, and her words were drowned out.

  Bettina’s crispy salmon smelled heavenly. It was perfectly cooked and was accompanied by cucumber salad, sour cream, and oven-baked potatoes with parsley butter.

  “How are you doing?” she asked Christel.

  “I’m fine. Ted sleeps most of the time, so the days are quiet. There are many new things to learn, but I love it.” Christel looked happy, and it made Bettina just as happy.

  “It looks like you’re back together.”

  “He’s been with us a lot, and I’ve thought carefully about what I want.”

  “And did you reach a conclusion?” She knew the answer before asking, but nevertheless she needed to hear it.

  “That I never should have left him.”

  Bettina nodded slowly and sipped her steaming hot blackcurrant tea.

  “It doesn’t seem like you mind too much,” Christel blurted out, amused.

  “What do you mean?” She looked at her in bewilderment.

  “Apparently, I’m not the only one who likes the doctor.”

  She had to laugh, remembering how enthusiastic Christel had been after her doctor’s visits. And how she had encouraged her. Luckily, she didn’t have to answer, since her brother demanded her attention.

  “Are you done eating, or what?” Lauritz looked at his watch impatiently. “The attorney is waiting. Let’s get it over with.”

  They were halfway through the meal. “There’s no rush,” Flemming said, slightly annoyed. “It doesn’t take an hour to walk through the town center.”

  Sullen, Lauritz pulled out his phone and started playing with it.

  “You have such a charming brother,” Erik whispered.

  Bettina gave him a disheartened look. “Yes, I don’t know where he gets it from. My hospitality is starting to run out.”

  “My time is about to run out, too. I’ll call you tonight if that’s ok.” He kissed her on the cheek and pulled out his wallet.

  “It’s more than ok,” she said. “My brother is paying, don’t worry about it.”

  Lauritz raised an eyebrow and didn’t look like he agreed in the least. He started saying something, but his father interrupted him.

  “Of course he will.” Flemming got up and shook Erik’s hand.

  Nita used the opportunity to share her thoughts when she stood to hug him. “It’s so lovely to see you again. Hope to see you soon.”

  “Likewise,” Erik said and smiled, before disappearing out the door.

  “He sure is popular,” Lauritz said in a grouchy voice. “It looks like you’re all in love with him.”

  Preben woke up. “I’m not.”

  “No, you’re busy with Christel,” he said sourly and finished off his double whiskey. “A pity you didn’t recognize it earlier.”

  Bettina thought the atmosphere was starting to get unpleasant. “It’s as much my fault as it is Preben’s. Let’s talk about Aunt Mathilde instead. That’s why we’re gathered here.”

  Lauritz didn’t seem interested in the topic. He looked at her with cold, calculating eyes she wished had some warmth.

  “What’s there to say? She’s dead.”

  “Stop it, and show some respect. If you think the inheritance is coming your way, what are your plans?” Flemming was more direct than usual. He looked at his son, who didn’t meet anyone’s eyes but Vera’s, presumably to order another whiskey.

  “Wait and see. You’ll find out in time.”

  Bettina didn’t like his undue secretiveness
and felt chills down her back when thinking of working alongside her brother. She was nervous about the meeting with the attorney, even if she had no reason to be. The will didn’t have anything to do with her. She had inherited from Uncle Herman and was delighted with that. It was fair that Lauritz inherited from their aunt. She just didn’t know how they were supposed to cooperate at the guesthouse. Their interests were so different, as were their personalities. Considering the idle life Lauritz had promoted the last week, the future didn’t look bright.

  “What a cute baby,” Anneli said and adjusted the romper. She was absorbed by Ted and hadn’t listened to a word that had been said around the table. “I wish we had such a cutie.”

  “It’s not too late, Bettina,” her mother said and smiled knowingly.

  Preben looked at her, uncomprehending. “What do you mean? It’s over between us.”

  Bettina almost started laughing. He obviously thought that he was the only man in the world who could give her a child. Oops, that was exactly what he couldn’t do. Good thing she hadn’t said it aloud.

  Christel jabbed his arm. “Preben, are you not paying attention? It wasn’t for nothing the doctor kept us company. They’re friends.” She could be discreet, and there was never any drama with her. Bettina loved her for that simple reason.

  “I didn’t know that.”

  “Erik is an old friend from school,” Bettina explained. She didn’t want the attention and directed the conversation towards them instead. “And how are you two?” She looked at Preben’s face as it turned into a big smile.

  “It’s above all expectations.”

  She smiled sincerely. “That’s good to hear. I assume the new mother is of the same opinion?”

  Christel nodded tenaciously.

  “I can’t be bothered to listen to this twaddle any longer.” Lauritz got up. He hadn’t gotten his refill from Vera, who could probably tell that he’d had enough.

  “Yes, it’s time to leave,” Flemming said and signaled to the waitress, who presented Lauritz with the bill.

  “Thanks for lunch,” Bettina said and got up.

  “Hmm.”

  They put on their coats and went outside. Preben sat Ted in the stroller and wrapped him tightly in the warm sleeping bag. It was weird to see him in this setting, and she didn’t know what to think of it. She still didn’t know the reason for their visit but got an answer soon. Preben wanted to talk, and she sent the others ahead to the attorney’s office.

  “I need to know that you’re fine,” he said. “Can we continue being friends?”

  She thought about it for a moment. Then an image of Erik appeared, and she didn’t push it away. A smile on her lips told her that this was actually fine. More than fine, it was for the best for all of them. She made a decision. “I’m doing great, and I want to continue being friends with both of you.”

  Preben looked at her, relieved, and put his arm around Christel, who had come over. “Would you like to be Ted’s godmother?” she asked.

  They were standing in front of her with hopeful eyes, and Bettina noticed that her vision was blurred. She blinked several times, and eventually gained control over her unexpected emotions. “I’d love to,” she said at last.

  “I sent a text message to my mother that I’m coming by with Ted one day,” Christel said. “I didn’t get an answer, but if she’d been completely against it, she would have told me.”

  “That’s a good sign,” Bettina said and was happy on her behalf. “I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.”

  They said goodbye, and she rapidly walked over to the attorney’s office, where the others were waiting in anticipation. It would be great to get this meeting over with, so they could clear out her aunt’s belongings and tidy up. Prepare for how life would be in the future. It would take a long time to get used to having Lauritz around. He would have to take on his part of the responsibility for the guesthouse. Since the house was so big, it was only fair when he owned half of it. She couldn’t help but dread it. This wasn’t something she was looking forward to.

  She opened the door and entered the meeting room where the others were sitting with coffee cups around the oval table. She greeted attorney Henriksen, who she had met under similar circumstances a few months earlier. The last meeting had ended in a complete shock for her, and everyone else. At least she knew what she was going to hear today. Her brother would receive his part, so the meeting should be over within minutes.

  The attorney opened the meeting. “Mathilde Fredriksen contacted me right before she passed away. Two days before, to be precise.”

  Suddenly Bettina was on the alert. That must have been when Lauritz had convinced Mathilde to change her will. What a sly fox. But she wasn’t surprised, so there was no reason to get upset. She knew her brother’s games all too well for that. He could be very persuasive. And he was crafty. Her eyes focused on her brother. He sat across from her with a smug impression and looked like he had won the lottery. It made her feel sick.

  “She changed her will.” The attorney made sure he had everyone’s attention. “I’m not reading the formalities at the beginning and the end of the will, only the part about the division of assets.” He paused for dramatic effect and looked at them to see if they agreed. Several nodded.

  “Yes, let’s get this over with,” Lauritz said. He sat fumbling with his watch and looked nervous now. Was there a chance that Mathilde hadn’t let herself be talked around? Bettina could feel her heart starting to pound. What had she been thinking when she changed her will right before she passed away?

  Henriksen cleared his throat. “Right. Mathilde Fredriksen decided to divide her inheritance into two parts. One part consists of her part of the guesthouse and the property. It includes all furnishings, except for what is in the attic. This part is intended for Anneli Hoff. Her inheritance will be managed by her mother Bettina Hoff until her daughter turns twenty-one years of age. The other part consists of the rest of the belongings of the deceased. It mainly includes her many embroideries and handmade tablecloths, in addition to a painting in the attic. Lauritz Fredriksen showed a particular interest in her crafts, and all of this is therefore passed on to him. She asked me to emphasize that she appreciated his repeated statements that her embroideries could be sold for a fortune, as beautiful as they were.”

  “What?” Lauritz’s face turned so dark that Bettina was scared. He was furious, and with all the alcohol in his system, it wasn’t easy to predict what he would do.

  “But this wasn’t what we agreed on,” he cried.

  The attorney had had many upset heirs at his office before and was in full control of the situation. “This was Mathilde Fredriksen’s last wish, which you can read in the will I’m handing out now.”

  Shocked, Bettina reached for the papers. She was relieved, and at the same time grateful that her aunt had appreciated the way she ran the guesthouse. To let Anneli inherit her part was the best confirmation she could ever have hoped for. Mathilde wanted to keep the house the way it was now and was delighted with everything Bettina had done to make the guests feel welcome.

  “What does it mean?” Anneli whispered next to her. She had been calm throughout the whole commotion, and Bettina was proud of her.

  “That you and I own the guesthouse. And that Lauritz can never interfere with the way we run it.”

  “Perfect.”

  Lauritz skimmed through the will and burst out in anger. “What kind of a lie is this? I talked to her for hours, yes, days even, about this specifically. She promised to change the will so that I would get my fair share of the inheritance. And she certainly changed it, but not in my favor. What is a thirteen-year-old girl supposed to do with it? It means that it all goes to Bettina. And I’m left behind with nothing, as always. How unfair. I’ve come all the way from Spain to change the old grouch’s mind, and I’m left with nothing but expenses for the airline tickets.”

  It was a long speech, and he furiously grabbed his coat. “I’m leaving r
ight away. No way am I spending another night in your house, Bettina. Regrettably, the flight isn’t until tomorrow, but I’ll stay in Oslo.” He stopped to take a breath before continuing. “I don’t give a damn about the inheritance. Does it look like I’m interested in embroideries and tablecloths? Or a stupid painting?” He glared at them. “Just take everything, Bettina. You’ve gotten most of it already. By the way, give me a hundred dollars, and you can keep the crap. Then at least I’ll be able to pay for a hotel tonight.” Lauritz had finally run out of air and silence filled the room.

  “If this is what you want, we have to do it correctly,” Henriksen said. “Otherwise, you’ll have to come back at some point to sign the papers. You may not be interested in that since you have a long way to travel.” He paused as if thinking how this could be solved. “Are you completely sure about this?”

  “Is this what you want, Lauritz? You might like the painting. Don’t you want anything?” Bettina didn’t know what to think but could understand that he didn’t care about the handmade items. What was he going to do with them? She had no idea what Mathilde had been thinking. Had she done this to tease him? It was hard to tell, and she didn’t know her aunt well enough to predict her thoughts.

  “You bet.” His forehead was full of angry furrows, and he stared at her, mightily annoyed. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Mathilde must have seen through his intentions and had not let him trick her. The stuff that was kept in boxes in the attic was mostly curtains and decorations which had been in use before they renovated the house, in addition to about forty flower embroideries. What on earth had she been thinking when she gave all this to Lauritz? It was tragicomic, but she felt bad for him. From what she had seen on her last visit to the attic, there was nothing of value there. Nevertheless, she decided to pay her brother, to put an end to it.

  “It’s fine with me,” she said, “if that’s what you want. But you can’t change your mind later. I won’t give you more. It’s important to me to get this over with today. We need to move on with our lives. And sort out Aunt’s belongings, so everything is ready when new guests arrive in a few days.”