Once in the car, the four started to feel again the strong emotions they had during their travel by limousine while in London. Phil and Samantha enjoyed their position in the rear and Jill was laughing with her head over Araon’s knees. She had a sudden change of mood. That’s because she had the daydream experience of the huge car with screws in the tyres, a bleeding wrist seeking for help. And the memory of the old fat lady overwhelmed her furthermore. She didn’t dare tell this to Araon who was staring at her. No kisses, no cuddles between the two. Their minds were flying towards other ends. Araon offered Jill some water.
“You must be very thirsty, I believe,” he said just to push her to hold a conversation.
“I know it Araon. Let me relax in your arms.”
“Araon bent to her lips strongly and kissed her with passion. They were a very get along together couple of thirty something.
The sky was very grey that morning. Samantha and Phil went away the previous night and Araon had to respect the appointment via skype to conclude the big business affair with Phil. Jill was all alone in their brand-new penthouse, knitting the night dress for Samantha. She was happy not to be the victim of convulsive thoughts any more. She was anxious about Araon. She had recommended him not to speak French and not to stutter. Sure, Samantha would be next to Phil for the occasion while she, the white Lady Macbeth, would be all alone in her house. thinking over and over. Overwhelmed by those thoughts she mishandled her knitting needle feeling ashamed not to be able to present Samantha with that gift yet. On the other side, the basket with fruit was a masterpiece. Now she was nosey to know something about Araon’s secrets.
She went to the cellar to have a look at Araon’s secret diary. It was full of dust on the cover. But she didn’t find anything interesting. There were notes on the fertility treatments he had been going to undertake. Scattered furiously there were the hoped dates of her giving birth and the celebration of the happening with the name of Rokin. There were also hints over their new friends, Samantha and Phil. Nothing interesting. But Jill noticed that the bottle of red wine was missing. To get drunk was not an Araon prerogative. She searched the place looking for the bottle with no results. It was clear that Araon had taken it to his newly acquired office.
She left the cellar whistling. She was so nervous about Araon. He hadn’t called yet. But she had not to wait long. She recognized the ringing of the phone when on the other side of the handset there was Araon. “Hi Jill. We have just concluded our affair. Phil carried on his shoulders the big burden of the matter but I did my part as well. Within one year we will have a lot of money in our pockets. You know, the firm which is financing the project is French. Hopefully I spoke only English. Our little Rokin will have the life of a little princess without being spoiled. Now I have to devise something to do. We will see each other at the usual time. Hey Jill: are you listening to me? Why don’t you speak?”
“Sorry Araon. I was absorbed in your account of notes. I guess you’ll go to church to thank God who has given us this stunning opportunity.”
“Sure, I will.”
“I also ask you to pray for me as well.”
“I pray for everybody every day for whatever comes into my mind while listening at other people needs. Stay well. As far as I’m concerned, I have lots of free time now that the business deal has been concluded. We will see each other at the usual time.
“No sooner Jill had hung up the phone than there was another call. “Hi Jill, it’s Samantha. I was with Phil at the meeting with the building construction firm. It’s a pity you were not next to Araon. What were you doing meanwhile?”
“I was knitting. I am doing a nightdress for you and it’s my plan to finish it as soon as possible. Within one month I will start the course again. I have some strong pain in my stomach. I thought it was Rokin, but now I’m well.”
“You are so sweet Jill. I’m looking forward to wearing the nightdress you are preparing for me. Concerning the pain don’t underestimate it. Call immediately Van der Baast.”
“I have thought it over but I feel I do not need him yet. You know it’s a bit too early to talk about labour.”
“Definitely Jill. I just wanted to give you a piece of advice. Anyway, stay well. We will see each other soon, I guess. And next time you will come to London.”
“Sure Samantha. I trust you are well. See you soon.”
At the end of the call, Jill started crying. She would have liked to have Araon stand by her. She didn’t know why, but she wanted to cry. Maybe because of little Rokin growing into her womb. Maybe because of Araon’s naïve way of behaviour. Maybe because she felt she has done nothing to boost the friendship with lovely Phil and Samantha. The tears disappeared from her cheeks soon though. Now she was full of energy and ready to go out. She had not a destination yet. But yes, she knew her plans for the day, a visit to Albert and Sylvanus’ shop.
She arrived there sweating. The two friends were surprised and delighted to see her. “Hi Jill. This is a real surprise for me. It’s great to have you in our shop,” said Sylvanus.
“I promised to come and visit you. Don’t you remember?”
“Yes, I remember it very well. I do not want to feel guilty to burden you with my loneliness. Hopefully We work all day long and I enjoy Albert’s companionship.”
“And what about you Albert? What is the situation like with Ravina?”
“We have our ups and down because I forced her to come and live with me before marriage. But our love is strong. Anyway, we will marry soon.”
“Marriage: what a word. There is also another couple of friends of me and Araon who are going to marry very soon. I wish good luck to all of you.”
“And what about little Rokin?” said Albert.
“Oh. She is growing into my womb peacefully. I can perceive her presence.”
“Do you already know it’s a baby girl?”
“Not really. This is my wishful thinking. But I came here for certain purposes. You know Sylvanus you have to come to my flat to pick a surprise I have prepared for you. We live in the big penthouse at the same address now. We have also kept the flat below”
“My adorable Jill. I’ll come soon to see what it is,” said Sylvanus.
“I will wait for you.” said Jill.”
“For now, enjoy this chicken. It’s for free, of course. And we will wait for the next visit from you.”
“Thank you, Sylvanus. See you soon.”
“See you soon and don’t forget to say hello to Araon on our behalf.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
Araon had a bad day, being unable to recover from the stress of the recently concluded business affair. Jill left a note for him where she said she was going to visit Sylvanus and that she would come back home at eight o’ clock sharp. Sylvanus looked forlorn at first sight but he couldn’t hide his tenderness for seeing Jill again. “Jill, Jill, you are a lovely friend. I don’t believe you have been able to come and visit me right now. Albert let me go out early today because I was quite stressed. I cannot stand everyday argument between him and Ravina. She threatened him that she would give him back her ring if they don’t marry before the end of the month. They have little time, really. She wants to save face as a Catholic. We all know that if they want to have sex before marriage, they can do it even if they don’t live together. Albert promised me that he would send me a text if they reached an agreement. I’m sure I’ll receive the message during the week and that at the end of that time we will see Ravina with a stunning white dress and a bouquet of lilies walking arm in arm into the church with Albert. But forget about that. The real reason I wanted to see you is because I have been missing you a lot while you were in London with your new friends. I guess they are not used to hang out with somebody with a white apron, dirty with blood at work. I am a simple butcher and I haven’t got Araon’s charm.”
“You are mistaken Sylvanus. They are very down-to-earth and generous people. I will find the occasion to introduce them to you. They are planni
ng to come to Amsterdam very often. By the way: they keep in touch all the time. But I read something in your eyes you don’t dare to confess: you are looking for your soulmate but you are missing the point. The reason why you haven’t found her yet is because you don’t hang out with some friends very often.”
“Well,” said Sylvanus blushing, “you are in the right. What I have learnt by living on my own is that loneliness is cruel and I want to get rid of this situation. But I don’t believe in love at first sight. Albert and Ravina are an exception. By going to live together they have made the worst mistake they could have done. Ravina is busy with teaching Polish and with the house chores every day, while Albert is at work from eight o’ clock in the morning to half past seven in the evening. They spoil their little time of intimacy with all those arguments.”
“But you have not to make comparisons with your situation and the one of other people, Sylvanus.”
“Not at all, Jill. I regard you as an example of real goodness. You and Araon are a marriage made in heaven. Your little Rokin is slowly growing into your womb and that means happiness. I wish to have a marriage like yours’ Jill.”
“You will have it, I’m sure. Just change your outlook and go out more often in your spare time: you will meet your other half in the weirdest of all ways. And don’t be discouraged by Ravina and Albert’s example.”
“You are divine, Jill. You see, there is a text from Albert who is telling me that peace arrived between him and Ravina and that they will come to annoy me here at midnight. They are more than the welcome. Let me show you something.”
Sylvanus went to his bedroom and took a portrait of Jill. “Do you like it, Jill? I have your image in my mind and I could paint your portrait without your presence.”
“It’s lovely Sylvanus. You are a great artist. It’s an exact replica of myself. Why don’t you try selling your paintings? I will put this one in the bedroom in my penthouse. Thank you, a lot. Sorry, the phone is ringing.”
“Jill, it’s Araon. I have just come in and found your note. Say hello to Sylvanus on my behalf.”
“I’ll do it Araon. Try to be patient. You have to recover from your fatigue. I’ll be home on time.”
“Was it Araon, Jill?”
“Yes, of course. Now let me show you how to make cutlets. Bring here two eggs, some breadcrumb and some fillet. Stir the eggs, put the meat into them and then put the meat in the breadcrumbs. Leave the meat in the pan till they are ready and then lay the meat with some tissue in order to get rid of the oil over them. Easy, isn’t it?”
“Thank you, Jill. I have my dinner for today.”
“Now I go Sylvanus. Araon is waiting for me. See you soon. Keep in touch.”
“Will do, Jill.”
Leaving Sylvanus’ flat was a bad experience for Jill. She was frightened to succumb to her frequent convulsive thoughts but she saw all white in her mind now. The only thing she had in her mind was the purifying of the blood. Never mind. She hurried up. Araon must be very hungry. She finally arrived at the penthouse where, strange enough, Araon led her on.
“Hi sweetheart. How was your day?” he said with energy.
“I had a lovely chat with Sylvanus but I never stopped thinking of you. Look: he has done another portrait of me. I am his muse, apparently. I’ll put it in our bedroom. Gorgeous, isn’t it?”
“I see Sylvanus is a terrific painter. He should display all his works of art in an exhibition. Is it true, Jill?”
“I have also suggested that he should do so.”
“Let me see it properly. I am a bit dazed and I don’t perceive things as they are. Yes, it is a masterpiece.”
“Thank God. Are you hungry Araon?”
“Not really. No yet, at least.”
“Are you so sure that I have not to prepare the dinner for you?”
“Be quiet, Jill. I won’t digest it.”
“So what shall we do now?”
“Play chess, play cards. You are so funny, Jill. Don’t let me speak French. Do you know what I mean? I want your kiss.”
“And so do I, Araon.”
“Stay away from churches, I recommend you, Samantha…” said Phil but he received no answer. “It’s not the first time you talk while sleeping. You should be enjoying a suntan now. Shouldn’t you?” They were in the swimming pool room ion a suffocating August day. Phil had just concluded the business affair with Araon and what he needed straight away was just to compliment him. He didn’t speak French any more, among the other things. He was crouched down in a deckchair and he never stopped staring at Samantha. She was so beautiful in the sleep. And sleep turned to be truthful: it could make come out the reason of her distress. Yes, she was still frightened by the influence that her former friend Lucia could have in her life. She was so anxious even if they had now a date for their wedding. But this was not a mystery for Phil. Maybe he had been too obsessive and this would make Samantha lack a sense of protection she needed from her object of love. So Phil decided to move up a gear in the figurate scene and not exercise any form of power any more. For him it was enough, a quick gesture to know everything on whatever. Samantha didn’t like it because she abruptly refused to be the object of his possession. She was still sleeping next to Phil when the clock announced lunch time. Phil, though, decided to let Samantha rest for another while. He was playing with the internet in front of the stunning view of the swimming pool. He was going to contact the business partner of the construction of the skyscraper and Araon while… That was constantly in his mind A sudden wave with fire images made him understand there was somebody next to the mail box. It must be the postman even if it was a bit too late. A delicate bell announced somebody was in the surroundings. But it was Jane who came to ask if they were ready for lunch. Phil told her that they would be in soon and that the vegan menu would do.
Jane used her usual savoir-faire hoping that she could be given another free day that day. Phil was an adorable boss and Samantha was the sweetest person in the world. With a small move, Phil made Samantha open her eyes. “Hi love. Where are we?”
“You don’t know Samantha? We are in the swimming pool room. In a while lunch will be ready. You talk too much when you sleep. Don’t you know it?”
“Really? And what did I say?”
“You said: Samantha stay away from churches. You are still under strain because of the bad influence your former friend Lucia had on your life.”
“Really? I don’t remember what I was dreaming about. But this is not good news. I have decided to lose contact with her once for good. Anyway, it must be a splendour to watch somebody else sleeping, mustn’t it?”
“You are a splendour, Samantha. I was here doing nothing other than watching you.”
“And what about the computer you are holding?”
“I haven’t used it. I have to contact Araon for an update but it is not time yet. We have concluded the affair yesterday and the building construction company shouldn’t have news for us yet. I still remember when you were next to me incredulous. There is so much charm in your eyes. You are my sweet little princess. What a lucky man!”
“Yes, and what a lucky woman. I still don’t believe we have a date for our wedding. I would like to celebrate it in a modest way. Just the blessing of the wedding rings and the mass celebration. I see you have already your ring on the finger.”
“You know Samantha I don’t consider myself a bachelor any more This ring makes me feel confident that for no reason I will lose you. The bell is ringing. It’s Jane to tell us that the lunch is ready. I guess she would like to have another free evening today. What shall I do?”
“I would make her leave. After all she has all the rights to do shopping and look for a man.”
“You inspire me, Samantha. Now let’s go.”
The table was perfectly laid with vegan food. Jane was standing in a corner waiting for the two to be served by her. Thy ate abundantly thanks to a certain good taste.
At the end of lunch Phil told Jane th
at she could go out after having washed the dishes. She was thrilled. How many bosses would have behaved like that?
Phil was now concerned with trying to understand what was going on in his partner’s brain. All of a sudden, she wanted a modest wedding. He had always tried to do his very best to make her happy but now he had only to keep silent. They went to say bye to Jane reminding her of her free evening. Phil also added another three hundred-pound notes to her for her own enjoyment. Jane hoped that Samantha wouldn’t be jealous. What stupid! Samantha had no reason of being jealous.
“Love.”
“Yes, Phil?”
“When do you advise me to contact Jill and Araon?”
“Just respect their privacy for a while. They must be under stress as well. Araon reminds me of the taste of a hot chocolate. I mean he is a very sweet man and Jill is no less genial than him in this regard.”
“OK, Samantha. Now we have to organize our day. By the way: do they know the date of our wedding?”
“Of course they do. They have been the first to be informed. Actually, we do not have other friends.”
“Samantha, Samantha I feel so stupid. Let’s cuddle each other. The day ahead can wait for the two of us.”
The afternoon passed quickly for the two of them. Phil was amazed by the harsh desire to shave himself. Up to then he hadn’t ever asked Samantha what was the best look for him. He treated himself a bit and considered asking Samantha to go for a walk. Samantha was in the sitting room wearing a red gown ready for a full immersion into the most astounding experience of love. “You are ready my dear?” said Phil.
“Yes sweetheart. I was speaking to Jill on the phone two minutes ago. She told me that in her agenda there are three marriages in a row: you and me, Albert and Ravina, Mark and Rose. We are all going to marry the last Sunday of August, which is next week. She was discouraged for not being able of being ubiquitous. She doesn’t know what to do. I consoled her by telling that our wedding will be a very modest one: two witnesses each and the bodyguards standing next to my lilies’ bouquet. I also specified that there will be a dinner for the four of us the following week, at the return of our honeymoon. She felt relieved.”
The Red Box Page 67
