“And Araon? What about him?”
“She told me that lately he was very tired. He found a French dictionary with white pages. He apparently bought it not to fall into the temptation of speaking French during your business affairs. Now they are at ease even if bodyguards follow them everywhere. I assured them that their privacy is always protected. It comes first, actually. And the bodyguards are bound by the law not to disclose to anybody any information about what they witness from day to day.”
“That’s lovely. So, my dear Samantha, we are planning a modest marriage but we are going to talk to the priest as tradition wants. I will donate him three thousand pounds. I’m sure he will appreciate the gesture. The church is in Knightsbridge and the priest’s name is Father Ralph. Let’s go. There is the vintage car outside. The limousine wouldn’t do for the occasion.”
“I’m ready, Phil.”
Father Ralph was a chubby man with a long beard and a genial smile. He welcomed them friendly. “Good morning Phil. We have met each other recently. I guess this is Samantha.”
“Yes, I am.”
“Lovely. You are here for the marriage. I have to say you just a few words: that you love each other in the richness and in poverty, in joy and in pain, in health and in illness until death parts you. And you have to pledge to raise your children in the Catholic faith. So now you can come to confess your sins one by one. Come on Samantha; come to the confessional.”
“I beg you father to pardon me. I have a fishy past to forget. I was joining a circle of friends who were able to do anything to please our boss in order to have his jewels. I am very sorry about it. Now I have changed life. Phil knows everything about me.”
“Well, I ask God to forgive all your sins. Go in the aisle and pray silently… Phil, you can come,” said Father Ralph. “Tell me your sins.”
“OK. You know I am forty years old while Samantha is twenty-nine. I am very jealous of her and I use my powers for the fear of losing her. One day she slapped me because she felt oppressed. Now I want to change. Marriage makes me feel safer. We live in the same house but we sleep in different rooms. I decided to respect her until the day of our marriage.”
“OK, Phil. This is enough. Your sins are forgiven. Go next to Samantha and pray silently,” said Father Ralph.
The couple found themselves sitting in the same niche of the church to pray. Father Ralph waved his hands to say goodbye to them and disappeared slowly. Phil went immediately after him. “Father Ralph.”
“Yes, Phil?”
“I forgot to give this to you.” He gave to the priest a large sum of money.
“Thank you, my dear. You needn’t be so generous. God will reward you.”
In the same moment Albert and Ravina were speaking to a priest about their due marriage. They had sent the invitations to all their friends and now they were ready to prepare everything for the big day. They were speaking loudly in the deserted church. They confessed to the priest that they had been living together for a certain time but they had a strong wish to marry in a church as soon as possible. The priest could ascertain that they were mature for marriage and blessed them with majestic words.
Mark and Rose were in a church as well. They felt so miserable to tell to the priest that they wouldn’t marry so early if it was not for Rose’s mother’s illness. Nevertheless, they were happy and they were looking forward to the big day. The priest hesitated to speak immediately, but he said frankly that he was happy to administer the sacrament to them.
Everything was perfect: three marriages in a row. Jill and Araon were in their penthouse to discuss the presents for the three couples. Jill told Araon that she had seen something very interesting in the department store. An album for photographs with a golden cover for Mark and Rose, a set of pottery coffee cups with coffee machine for Albert and Ravina and some silken sheets for Phil and Samantha. “If you agree with me, my dear, we can buy it all right now. There is only one week to the three marriages and we have to give to the couples the gifts before the end of the week. It’s true we see Samantha and Phil just one day before they marry. They confirmed me that they would pick us up by their private jet. But concerning Mark and Rose and Albert and Ravina we have to hurry up.”
“I am always at your disposal. Now let me caress your tummy.”
“Oh! It’s aching.”
“What’s wrong, Jill? Shall I call Doctor Van der Baast?”
“No really. He has already said to me that there is nothing I have to be worried about. Let’s go to the car.”
“Let’s go, Jill. I’ll drive as slowly as I can.”
The following day it was usual routine for Araon. He had to go for his strolls along the city waiting for flashes of inspiration concerning his case. Sure Jill hadn’t sensed his going out. He was free, as we can say. He had to keep in mind that they had an appointment with Mark and Rose at eleven am and with Albert and Ravina at seven pm that day. Meanwhile he reached Amstel number ten. The window of the woman was open and there was some smoke in the room. It seemed like incense. He felt immediately the urge to contact Van der Baast to inform him about the news. The woman should be a superstitious one who dare use incense for a weird ritual.
“Van der Baast?”
“Yes, Araon. Is there any news?”
“Yes. I am in front of Amstel number ten. The window of our woman is open and some incense can be seen. I’m frightened to go any further since my bodyguards follow me everywhere.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll go myself to the place and I will find an expedient to enter the flat. I feel we are close to the truth and no bodyguard will be an obstacle to us. Be serene, Araon. I will sort it out. Now I apologize. I have a lot of work to go through. Keep in touch.”
“I will.”
Araon dismissed the doctor’s tone of austerity from his mind. After three minutes three bodyguards approached Araon. He was shaken and frightened being unable to understand the meaning of it. He saw them disappearing immediately having realized there was no danger for Araon. The phone rang. “Araon Phil has just called telling me that your line was busy.”
“Really, Jill? Let me check. It’s true. I must have made a mistake. Tell me.”
“Phil told me that the bodyguards have approached you after the signal of danger. He explained to me that the bodyguards don’t watch you and don’t listen to what you are saying. They follow you at a certain distance and they perceive danger by an electric device. He also told me that they realized everything was OK. But something must have frightened you. The rest is clear: you are leading your usual life leaning on socialist views.”
“You must tell me, what’s the meaning of this comparison.”
“I say nothing: just to calm you down.”
“Actually, I am in Amstel. I was frightened by the smoke coming out of a window of a flat in the building in front of me. That’s it. I went closer to the place and I realized it was incense.”
“Sure, Araon. Now, please, come back home. Don’t you remember we have an appointment with Mark and Rose at eleven am at the riding school?”
“Sure. I am not far from home. In ten minutes, I will be with you.”
Once arrived, Araon saw Jill starting the car. “You are all soaked Araon. Try to explain to me everything.”
“It must be the hot weather. But why are you using the car? Don’t you know it can be too distressful for you?”
“I have just started it to make it ready for you that are. are quite late. Come on. Drive us to the riding school.”
“Thank God it’s all finished,” said Araon.
“What?” replied Jill.
“I’m talking to myself. Funny, isn’t it? Just joking. Thank God it’s finished, the stress of choosing the gifts. I’m sure Mark and Rose will appreciate theirs.”
“I just chose something close to their personality. The most difficult part of our bizarre thing is to be able to be forgiven by Mark and Rose for our due absence at their ceremony. We will be in London that day and
we have to try to be delicate with them when disclosing them our commitments. After all, there is also Albert and Ravina’s marriage and we cannot attend it as well.”
“Sure Jill. We have to be prudent for the sake of common sense. Let me see. It’s time to leave. Turn right and then to the left.”
“Please, be careful while driving.”
The car was fast enough to make the young couple be welcomed by Mark and Rose at eleven, sharp. They had the privilege to park the car inside the school. Mark was radiant and shouted, having seen Jill and Araon. “Hi Jill. Hi Araon. I was waiting for you.”
“Luckily, we got here on time. Now we show you a little surprise: here it is, a gift for you and Rose.”
“Can I open it now?”
“Of course, you can.”
“It’s fantastic: an album for photographs with a golden cover. It’s just what we needed. Come on. Have a cup of tea, please.”
“I see the place is crammed today,” said Araon.
“I cannot complain. My business is thriving. I will have a short break for the marriage and honeymoon and then I will be back to normality.”
“Good. We have to apologize that we cannot attend your ceremony. In the same day and time, we will be Phil and Samantha best persons at their wedding in London.”
“Don’t worry. We will find time to spend together in the future somehow,” said Mark.
“How is Rose?” said Jill.”
“She is under pressure. She has a lot of work to go through. But she is very happy that we finally will tie the knot,” said Mark.
“We apologize for the brief visit but we have an appointment with Albert and Ravina later on. They are also marrying the last Sunday of August at half past ten in the morning. They already know we cannot attend the ceremony. Bye, Mark. Good luck.”
“Bye, Jill and Araon. See you soon”
And after an overwhelming pressure, the time arrived to meet Albert and Ravina. They were both entranced by the gift: a set of pottery coffee cups and a coffee machine. Ravina was in seventh heaven. Albert hadn’t broken the promise to marry her. As a joke she caressed Jill’s tummy. “It will bring me luck,” she said.
The house was full of guests and presents. Sylvanus was also there smarter than ever. It was not difficult for Jill and Araon to find an excuse to go away. The bride-to-be accompanied them to the door and thanked them for the present again. The two reached the car without roof with Araon driving like a]] lighting. But they made up a scenery that squirted happiness and purity very thoroughly. They arrived home tired but happy.
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
“So Jill, are you happy we are going home now?”
“Why shouldn’t I be happy? Oh, wait a minute. I’m bleeding. I’m sure it’s not an abortion, though.”
“We must contact Van der Baast straight away. For you he is available out of working time.”
“No Araon. It’s not necessary.”
“How can you be so calm. You have not to underestimate things like these.”
“To tell you the truth Araon there could be an explanation. I’m doing vagina washing with a plug and I must have wounded myself a bit.”
“I was also thinking of it. Were you willing to attract the bodyguards next to us with a nervous and no limit sensation?”
“No Araon. I simply wanted to be cuddled by you.”
“Let me call Phil.”
“No, I’ll call Samantha. Here is her number… Samantha? It’s Jill. How are you?”
“Very well, thanks. I was just thinking of you to let you know that me and Phil will come to pick you up at the airport at midnight on Sunday. We will have a lunch in Knightsbridge the following day. We will enjoy ourselves to the utmost and then we will be free to go on honeymoon on Thursday morning. We will go to an exotic place. You don’t need to bring a suitcase with you. You will find whatever you need in your Mayfair flat. Say hello to Araon on my behalf.”
“He is here driving next to me. We were at Albert and Ravina’s gathering to give them the present for their wedding. What about you? Are you ready for next Sunday’s big event?”
“Yes. I am overfilled with emotions. I have decided not to wear the traditional wedding dress but a comfortable white gown. Phil will be casual as well. Me and Phil have decided to be modest as much as we can. Marriage is a sacrament, after all. Sorry, now I am in the bathroom. Phil is waiting for me downstairs.”
“Say hello to him on my and Araon’s behalf.”
“I will. See you on Sunday night.”
“See you Samantha,” said Jill.
“From what I see you have a lot of things to tell each other,” said Araon.
“What are you saying my dear prankish? It was a formal, lovely chat. As you must have understood, we don’t need to bring suitcase with us since there is everything we need in our Mayfair flat. We have to devise something to present them with our sheets in a way that it sounds a surprise. Anyway, they will come at midnight on Sunday to pick us up at the airport. I hope they won’t stay in disbelief for the simplicity of the gift. After all, they have everything and it is a difficult choice to find the most suitable gift for them.”
“Don’t worry Jill. What matters for Phil and Samantha are the feelings behind the gesture. A gift is another face of love. By the way, on Sunday we must be at home until time of departure. Nobody has to see us in Amsterdam during our absence at Mark and Rose’s, Albert and Ravina’s marriage. I know it’s a stupid thing but we have to be loyal to any one of our friends. I am just a man of honourable dealing. And you are not just a smart woman.”
“It’s a wise decision. Now be careful, we are entering our garage. It’s all messed up as usual.”
“Don’t complain, Jill. Untidiness is part of the charm of my personality.”
“Who knows how the flat would be without me. This week I won’t call the housekeeper. I will arrange everything by myself.”
“But you have to avoid hard work. You are pregnant, Jill.”
“I know when I have to stop working. Now just let’s go upstairs in the penthouse.”
“I have to have a look at the other apartment first. If you want you can go upstairs, undress yourself and replace your shoes with more comfortable slippers.”
“Yes, Araon. I will wait for you.”
Home sweet home. It was a long time since Jill hadn’t felt such a soothing sensation. She went to sit in the rocking chair waiting for Araon to arrive. Leave alone her urge to tell him goodnight. But he arrived immediately. “Darling everything is fine except the fact that the cat wants to stay downstairs. This pet’s happiness is a matter of routine. Anyway, I left something to eat and to drink for him.”
“I guess there are some tins left.”
“Don’t worry, Jill. He is just a pet.”
“That’s fine. Do you fancy a chat, Araon?”
“We have been chatting since the moment we left Albert and Ravina’s flat.”
“I mean do you want to utter some stupid word to feel immediately ready to sleep.”
“OK, start first.”
“You call me the white lady Macbeth. I remember when I met you ten years ago. You were penniless. I was a rich heiress compared to you. My mum had to buy the nuptial rings for the two of us. But destiny changed a lot. We are a smart, wealthy couple now. We are millionaires, Araon. And our love has survived all these twists and turns of life. It is pure and uncontaminated. I remember the party of our wedding. It was at my dad’s countryside mansion. We were so happy…”
“We are still happy, Jill. Sometimes I would like to see you angry and complaining, whatever. You are always so peaceful.”
“I didn’t think it was a shortage. We have to be absolutely good owners of our mood for the sake of a healthy relationship and the love for our baby.”
“But all couples have rows.”
“It’s not us, Araon. I’m surprised you don’t feel at ease.”
“I was just kidding. I am happy to point out how happy w
e are.”
“Yes, Araon and we are also very tired. Do you fancy a half an hour sleep?”
“Yes, right now. Do you want to make me understand you would like to speak while sleeping like Samantha?”
“Who told you that?”
“Phil, of course.”
“Gosh! Your gossip undermines my confidence. Good night, Araon.”
“Good night, Jill.
And there was not even the shadow of the cat who was so used to purr with delight before his usual nap.
The following day it was an adventure to go to the airport. As to play by the rules of Phil they had no luggage with them. Just a big bag with the gift for Phil and Samantha inside. The hostess welcomed them at the door and accompanied them to their seats. “Enjoy your travel,” aid the beautiful lady smartly.
“Araon, I see you are a bit anxious. Are you scared by the flight?”
“No really. I was just thinking of our bodyguards. Where are they? They are supposed to follow us everywhere. They probably got on the plane by the rear door so that we couldn’t see them. It’s for our safety, somebody says.”
“Yes, and we are already reaching high altitudes.”
“As I told you I am not terrified. I love flying.”
“Come on, it takes just one hour to arrive in London. Do you want something to drink? Here we can find non-alcoholic drinks with orange taste.”
“It’s something special for you, Jill.”
“Sure. It’s delicious and thirst quenching.”
“Now we can use our phone if we want to.”
“Do you really want call Phil and Samantha? We are going to see them very soon.”
“No, it was a silly thought of mine. I’ll try to listen to some music.”
“Papa Don’t Preach by Madonna. What an old piece! But it’s always moving.”
“Do you want me to listen to it with the headphones?”
The Red Box Page 68
