The Red Box

by Laura Sgarella

  Samantha arrived forgetting her plunges in that emerald sea. “Hi Jill, this is Samantha. Sorry about my lack of tact I have previously mismanaged. I hope you are enjoying yourself in the city. As far as we are concerned you cannot imagine our joy to be here. It’s eleven, sharp, in the morning. There is a legend over there. There is a shipwreck swallowed by the seabed where the water is higher than most. Me and Phil were considering to go and have a look. Of course we won’t find any wreckage but the fresh sprinkle of the sea will soothe all our whims. Another thing, this time a bit sad: I put on some weight for the good cuisine and I have to start a diet when I come back to London. It’s a matter of two kilos, no more,” Samantha said.

  “I’m happy to talk to you Samantha. When you come back to London, you’ll find a surprise,” said Jill.”

  “Great, Jill. I love you. You should be busy now so I say goodbye to you and Araon. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.”

  “Bye to the two of you,” said Jill with Araon following her.

  Araon went back to normality together with Jill. He looked a bit depressed and this because of what he read in the newspaper. The breaking news reported a story about sharia in Afghanistan. A thirteen-year-old girl has been stoned to death as a consequence of the crime of rape from a man against her. Brave New World. The rapist should be killed not the innocent girl who has lost her virginity against her will. And, what was worse, all that happened in front of one thousand people who seemed to enjoy the scrappy show,” said Araon.

  “Are you cutting the piece of paper with your teeth?”

  “Yes, Jill. I want to swallow the news.”

  “Lovely. On the contrary to you, I’m doing nothing. I will start reading a brand-new book tomorrow morning. Now I suggest that we should go out. What do you think of going to Piccadilly?”

  “What’s fine for you is fine for me. I’ll call the limousine.”

  “OK, I’ll be out in a few minutes. Gosh it has just arrived. Come on, Araon.”

  The journey through the core of London was as spectacular as usual. Jill and Araon were struck by a fly which entered the car, just to realize at the end that it was a bugging device. “You see, Jill? Somebody is spying on us. Hopefully the device has gone away. Who do you think should be interested in spying on us?”

  “I have no idea. Now let’s enjoy ourselves. We will sort this problem out when Phil is here.”

  “Sorry Jill. I’m too fragile. I should have dominated this situation as a manly man should do. Now we are going to park the limousine in Phil office’s garage. It will be safer for us,” said Araon.

  “And I will enjoy the parade of women with fake furs. Actually, they are silken cloaks as the weather suggests. I hope you are attracted by Piccadilly as I am.”

  “No problem, Jill. Your presence is enough for me.”

  “So, let’s go for a walk in the middle of the crowd. There is a new moon today. It will protect us all the time,” said Jill. And kisses of passion would follow among the crowd of all walks of life.

  It was a sleepless night for Araon that time. This was because he was under the effect of the vodka, he had been crazy to drink. Hangover. That was it. He watched Jill who was sleeping, supine, blissfully. But Araon had just a desire to speak to Phil. He rung him and he was finally able to hear his warm voice. “Hi Araon. I’m happy about your call. What time is it in London now?”

  “It’s three o’ clock in the night.”

  “Well. Here we are in the middle of the evening. How comes you are still awake?”

  “I cannot sleep because I drunk some vodka. I am all a pain! Jane gave us the small bell to call her whenever we needed her but I don’t think is the case to disturb her.”

  “Have a look in the desk drawer. There are some pills which eliminate the effect of a hangover. If you won’t calm down call the doctor tomorrow morning.”

  “Actually, I looked at myself in the mirror, I can see some bags and eye sockets as a result of my sleepless night. I swear I won’t drink any more. Tell me about you and Samantha.”

  “Oh, yes. Samantha and I have just left the tapis roulant room. We have burned one thousand calories in one hour and Samantha has happily lost one kilo. She needs to lose the other one now. I couldn’t believe she would be so determined. She said proudly that her diet is for the sake of herself only, not for the fear that I would watch other women. She knows I’m polite. Phew! The weather here is blistering hot. The temperature is forty degrees. Oh, listen. Samantha wants to say something.”

  “Hi, Araon. I’m sorry you cannot sleep. We are missing you two a lot. We wish to spend some more time with you in London when we are back. After all there are a lot of business appointments for you and Phil. Concerning Jill give her a kiss on her forehead on my behalf. There is one last thing I wish to say: once in London we can go to Mensa headquarters to enjoy ourselves while developing our IQ. Now Phil wants to say his last words. Bye for now. We’ll see each other soon.”

  “Sure, I will tell Jill I have heard from you. She will contact you as soon as she wakes up. I go to try to sleep now.”

  “Araon”

  “Yes, Phil?”

  “There is other news I have to tell you. We cannot take the flight back to London because of a damage in its engine. As a consequence of it we have to take the flight to Paris. Once there we will ask our personal pilot to come and pick us up with our private jet. Hopefully there is always a remedy to troubles. Samantha is horrified at the thought of a plane crash. Our private jet is much safer. We employ only perfectly drilled pilots and we check each part of the plane daily, first of all the engine. You cannot believe but now I am perfectly relaxed. During the evening the sun is not hostile to us any more. I never told you about the suite we are lodging in. It’s on the sea. It’s perfectly equipped with everything we might need. But now I let you think to your own businesses. I hope you will sleep for at least two hours. Don’t forget to call the GP. The number is in a note on the wall. I’m looking forward to embarking on our treasure on our way home. Good night Araon.”

  “Bye Phil. By Samantha.”

  Araon definitely took the pill but that had effect only on his headache. He couldn’t sleep at all. He listened to the hands of the clock ticking gently four o’ clock. Five o’ clock. Seven o’ clock It was nearly time for Jill to get up. He looked at himself in the mirror. He looked like a ghost. Only now he remembered to kiss Jill on the forehead on behalf of Samantha. And Jill awoke.

  “Hi Araon. Are you well?”

  “Not really, Jill. I couldn’t sleep all the night. I was so crazy yesterday to drink that vodka.”

  “But it was only a small cup!”

  “I know it, but I cannot tolerate it.”

  “Be quiet Araon. We will have a nice day. What is this?”

  “It’s’ the daily newspaper they deliver at home. Let me have a look. The usual filthiness. London taxi drivers, bus drivers and train drivers threaten a strike with the symbol of the Union Jack. They are complaining for a better salary. Can you hear Jill? I have never gone on strike in my life. I have always been obedient to my boss. The only result is an effrontery to the citizens. Anyway, I am too tired to concentrate on the news. I had a shower three times during the night. It’s your turn now. By the way: I have phoned Phil and Samantha. They asked me to spend time with them when they come back to London. They are planning Mensa games and a trip with their private jet. Challenging, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it’s true. Now let me have a shower. I am already sweating.”

  “Jill.”

  “Yes, love?”

  “Have you told Jane about Phil and Samantha coming back?”

  “Yes, why not?”

  “She has to clean the house perfectly before they arrive.”

  “Sure, she already knows it. Now I go.”

  Araon listened to some music in that lapse of time. He was gradually getting stronger. Definitely he didn’t need to call the GP. Vodka: what a dirty name. He cancelled it fr
om his memory. He went to have a look in the fridge and saw the vodka bottle filled up. He watched the label and found out it was not genuine vodka but a non-alcoholic drink. It must have a sardonic joke by Phil who wanted to test his power of placebo effect. And there were the pills. What a good chap Phil. Damn him

  “So what shall we do now Araon?”

  “We can still go out despite my bags and sockets under the eye, Jill.”

  “Love, hide them with some foundation. Let me see. Try this.”

  “It’s perfect Jill apart from the fact that it is feminine.”

  “Oh Araon: nobody will notice it. I have to confess to you that I already knew that that sort of vodka was actually a non-alcoholic drink. I wanted to test the placebo effect on you and to be aware up to what point you are able to deceive with trespass. This is what we call feelings of guilt.”

  “Thank you, Jill. But have you any idea why Phil wanted to do something like this to me? The laugh that gushed was a sardonic one. Do you think he wants a domineering relationship with us and he left all the house rooms unlocked just to test our honesty and be entrapped by him?”

  “Why should he be so inflammatory? Remember that they are nearly on their way back home. He simply enjoys himself by making funny jokes to his friends. He doesn’t crack a word nor make stupid puns without the intention of entertaining his so-called preys. Now we should be concerned with leaving the house nice and tidy as it was the day they left.”

  “No problem. Jane will do her job properly.”

  “Another thing, Araon: did you know that Samantha’s real name is Nelly? This is what you read in her passport. She changed her name to Samantha since she has come to live in London. Maybe she considers her new name more sophisticated and I don’t blame her. Or does she have something to hide about her past life?”

  “I don’t think so. She looks innocent. After all Phil has all the power to detect people faults. He must know everything about Samantha’s past,” said Araon.

  “What a stupid thought! I am blaming my best and only friends of guilt she hasn’t.”

  “Come on Jill. It’s only a question of respect and self-esteem. By the way: have you got any idea about our plans for the morning? I absolutely don’t want to recover from the bad night with some morning sleep. It would be a pity to disappoint you. I’ll take some coffee together with you and I’ll be fit again as a tiny schoolboy. Come on, we must be ready to go out.”

  “Yes, darling. Can you call the car without a roof? I would like to go to the flea market somewhere like Notting Hill. It won’t be easy to park once there. That’s why we should inform our driver about any step made by us,” said Jill.

  “Are you sure there is a flea market? I think you are talking of Portobello market. They sell antiques over there.” said Araon.

  “Whatever it is let’s go. I see the car already outside. Tell Jane we are going out.”

  “Already done, Jill. Can you see these buttons? They are as fast as arrows. I keep in touch with all the structure of the house with them.”

  “Fine! Now it’s time to leave.”

  “Sir, can you drive us to Portobello Market?” said Araon to the driver.

  “Certainly. I have only to inform you that it is very difficult to park over there. So I will let you get out of the car well in advance and patrol the place properly.”

  “We won’t stay long. We are going to the market just because we are nosey.” Araon knew it was time to shut up.

  They were reaching their destination slowly and calmly despite the traffic jams. Once arrived, Jill and Araon went to the first stand. They were selling bottles of old liqueurs. They were so inspiring to the eyes of Araon. “Jill, I have decided to buy the bottle. A good joke for the delight of Phil. What do you think?”

  “If I were you, I would place it into the fridge of our room so that he will find it when we are away.”

  “You share well my good intentions. Err… mister, how much is it?”

  “Five pounds, just for you. You are so pleasant.”

  “Here we go.”

  “Look Araon all those wraparound skirts. Aren’t they lovely?”

  “Go and choose the one you like Jill.”

  “Are they really there for the beauty of the place or for the charm of a missed mistress?” joked Jill. She picked three of them. She knew that she would go to the seaside or to a swimming pool even in September. England’s weather would allow her to do so, thanks to the Gulf Stream. Or it was just an excuse to spend more time with Samantha.

  “Nelly, Samantha,” she never stopped thinking of it.

  Finally, Araon made her come back to reality.” “Darling, can you see that pottery? It is similar to the one we gave Albert and Ravina.”

  “Yes, but these are prestigious porcelain. They must be very costly. But who knows what Samantha and Phil are doing now. It won’t take long for them to come back from their honeymoon,” said Jill.

  “And Albert and Ravina and Mark and Rose should be back from their honeymoon as well,” said Araon.

  “You Know Araon, Phil and Samantha have a heart-alike power on me. They make me forget all the other friends of mine. Since I am here, I have never contacted Sylvanus. He needs my presence in his life. He is not at ease living on his own.”

  “You will find a remedy to it when we are back to Amsterdam. We will invite him at dinner.”

  “Nice idea. I will go along these nice and winding roads. Do you find any link for these words? This is a Mensa question,” said Jill.

  “But it is too easy we have all the Beatles records at home.”

  “You must know Araon that you must never take anything for granted. Anyway, you gave the right answer. Now I feel a bit thirsty. We must go somewhere to have a fresh drink.”

  “Are you sure you are not interested in other strolls?”

  “No, Araon. I’m fine with this. And don’t forget to call the driver to pick us up.”

  They left the street of the market addressed to somewhere unknown. An orange juice with sugar was what Jill needed. On his turn, Araon needed a rest. There was a pricey, trendy place where to rest but the phone rang. It was one of the several business calls for Phil. Araon abode with Phil agreement: he didn’t catch any of those calls..

  CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

  The big day finally arrived. It was a Monday morning. Phil and Samantha arrived on time at Holland Park House where Jill and Araon were waiting for them. They had been scrupulous enough to travel by their private jet from Paris to avoid further delays. “Jill, Araon let me hug you,” said Phil.

  “You are welcome in your house,” joked Araon.

  “It’s not time Araon,” said Jill with a vein of jealousy.

  “So, how was your honeymoon?” said Araon.

  “Sun, sun, sun. Long strolls along the shore, good local food, gym and resort entertainment,” said Phil.

  “It must have been fantastic,” said Araon.

  “Actually, we have enjoyed ourselves a lot.”

  “It’s not L’Etat c’est moi,” said Araon.

  “Araon!” said Jill, exasperated.

  “I was in tune with the red box game,” said Araon.

  “OK It’s not a bloody Sunday,” said Jill

  “It’s not a difficult childbirth,” said Samantha.

  “Yes, it’s not us,” said Phil. “Now the game is over,” he added.

  “Jill, this is for you. The porters have brought the suitcases and there is a small present for you. It’s an artisanal tapestry from the local people. It features the wild life of the place,” said Samantha.

  “Thank you, Samantha,” said Jill.

  “It’s a pleasure Jill,” said Samantha.

  “And now we have to talk about the ultimate experience. They call that place the honeymoon resort. Sure enough, there is a special room where women are trained to face childbirth pain. They simulate the screams and warn you about the level of endurance of the pain. I was thrilled. Samantha was shocked,” said Phil.
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  “Yes, and I told you to forget the five kids. One is enough. Two just if they are twin. You spend your life to have a beautiful body and you ruin it in one hour. Fantastic, isn’t it?” Samantha started crying and left the room slamming the door.

  “I apologize. It’s all my fault,” said Phil. “I’ll go upstairs to try to console her. Sorry for the inconvenience,” said Phil.

  The bedroom was perfectly locked. Samantha, please let me come in.”

  “Yes Phil. Just one second. I’m drying my eyeliner that melted with my tears. I have been so stupid. I have not the courage to stay with Jill and Araon right now. Come in.”