by Angel Sefer
“Are you all right?” she heard Sophie’s voice. She had climbed out of the car as well and was now standing beside Helena.
“I think this was the same car,” Helena replied and sighed.
“The same car? What do you mean? The same as what?” Sophie asked, puzzled.
Helena took a deep breath and explained to Sophie what had happened the day she arrived on the island.
Sophie was shocked. “How come you didn’t say anything?” she asked, worried. “How come Dimitris didn’t say anything?”
“I didn’t want to upset you… and I guess Dimitris didn’t say anything for the same reason.”
“I can’t believe both of you!” Sophie burst out, outraged. “We need to get back home and call the police.”
“And tell them what? That a car almost ran right into us? So what? That doesn’t prove anything.”
“We’ll tell them what happened at the port, as well.”
“Aunt Sophie, it could be coincidence,” Helena insisted, even though deep down inside she doubted it. She didn’t want to frighten her aunt, though. “It might not even be the same car. I guess there’re plenty of black Mercedes cars on the island. It’s not like we saw the license plate.”
Sophie didn’t seem convinced at all, but seeing the pleading look in Helena’s eyes, she gave in. “All right,” she unwillingly agreed. “We won’t call the police, but we’ll talk to Dimitris. I want him to check it out.”
Helena hesitated.
“Now what?” Sophie insisted.
“Well, you know,” Helena started. “Dimitris and I aren’t exactly getting along that great… there seems to be so much tension…”
“Helena,” Sophie interrupted her, taking Helena’s hands in hers. “Dimitris cares about you very much,” she said, putting emphasis on every single word. “He would do anything in the world for you.”
Seeing Helena remaining silent, she went on, “Trust me, Helena. You can count on Dimitris being there for you, no matter what. I want you to remember that,” Sophie insisted. “I want you to promise me that if anything like this happens again, you’ll talk to him.” Seeing Helena hesitating, she insisted, “Promise me…”
“I promise,” Helena whispered, unwillingly.
Sophie hesitated for a moment and then, letting go of Helena’s hands, she turned on her heel and walked around the car to the driver’s side.
“We need to go,” she said. “We’re too late, and they would be worried about us.”
“Don’t say anything about what happened,” Helena pleaded.
“But why?” Sophie asked, puzzled. “Didn’t you just promise you won’t keep secrets like this?”
“Well, we can tell Dimitris, but I don’t want to talk about it with anyone else,” Helena insisted. She didn’t want to draw any attention. If she had any chance on finding out what really happened to her father, she had to keep a low profile and act if nothing was wrong. She couldn’t help but wonder, though, whether these two events with the black Mercedes had anything to do with her father’s death—because, even though, his body was never found, Helena could feel it in her heart that he was dead. Was her mother right? Was someone responsible for her father’s death? And now, that she had come back, her life was in danger, as well?
They drove the rest of the way in silence, both of them lost in their thoughts. When they arrived at the Koukakis’ house, they saw a lot of the guests were already there. There were at least ten cars in the driveway, and Helena knew that most people on the island preferred to walk—at least the ones who lived close by.
Agitated, she glanced at Sophie. She hadn’t realized this was going to be such a major event. She had met a lot of people on the island already, but still, she was going to be a stranger among all those guests. Not to mention the fact she was still shaken from what had happened, and she was in no mood for a party any more.
Sophie reached over and caressed her hand. The warmth of her touch made Helena feel a little better.
“Everything is going to be all right,” Sophie reassured her. “Dimitris and I are going to make sure nothing happens to you.”
“I’m okay, Aunt Sophie,” Helena replied. “I’m just a little nervous with all these people…” she went on, trying to make her aunt think she was only worried about all the strangers at the party, and she had already put the incident behind her.
“You’re going to captivate their hearts,” Sophie said. “Come along, sweetie; it’s time to show off my beautiful niece,” she concluded.
However, Helena could tell she had lost her enthusiasm.
She followed Sophie inside, and they were immediately surrounded by people. She liked their hosts—an older, grey-haired, retired banker and his wife, who were some distant relatives of her family.
She was introduced to a lot of people, and to her surprise she relaxed and was having a good time. She was talking to Mary—a very nice girl around her age—when she sensed someone’s eyes set on her. She turned and saw Stella standing by the front door. She was exquisite in her emerald green dress, but her eyes were cold as she met Helena’s. A very handsome, young man was standing by her side, and he was also staring at Helena.
“There goes Stella!” Mary said, and without waiting for a reply, she lowered her voice and continued, “You have to watch out for her. She doesn’t like the fact that you live in Dimitris’ house. She thinks he belongs to her.”
Helena glanced at Mary, surprised. “Why would she mind me staying there? I’m only visiting, and besides, it’s my family’s home or at least, it used to be,” she said and turned to glance at Stella, who seemed totally unaffected by everything going on around her—she just stood there, giving Helena a hard look.
Helena shifted uncomfortably and dug her fingernails in her palms, feeling her temper rising. She hardly knew the girl, but she really didn’t like her at all. “As for Dimitris, he’s all hers. I’ve never met a more arrogant and irritating person than him,” she went on, and bit her lower lip as soon as she realized she had said it out loud.
Mary glanced at her, shocked, and Helena realized her companion didn’t share the same opinion about Dimitris. As a matter of fact, everybody seemed to like him, and she had to be very careful with her remarks, at least for as long as she stayed in his house.
“If she’s in love with Dimitris, then, who is the young man with her?” Helena asked Mary curiously.
“Oh, that’s Alex. He’s Stella’s cousin, and a very nice young man. He went to Law School in Athens, and after he got his degree, he came back here to practice law on the island. He’s already been back for a couple of months but he’s taking a break before he starts working and…” Mary was interrupted by a very attractive young man, who came to ask her to dance.
Helena was left alone, standing by the French doors which led to the veranda. All of a sudden, she had this uncontrollable urge to walk outside and breathe some fresh air. She walked over to the railings and leaned against them, letting her eyes wander over the beautiful landscape with the dark sea in the background. She took a deep breath of fresh, salty air and was spellbound by the magnificent view of the gardens and the starlit sky.
Glancing around her, she realized she was alone out there, and felt relaxed and content. She didn’t want to go back inside. The mystifying view of the manicured gardens was calling out to her. Going down the marble steps of the veranda, she found herself walking on the soft grass. Helena smiled, feeling like a little girl. An amazing feeling of bliss and joy washed over her. She wanted to take off her shoes and run across the yard. Taking another look around, she made sure there was nobody out there. But still, she was reluctant to go along with her impulse.
Walking away from the house towards the beach, the trees were growing thinner. The view of the dark sea reflecting the starlit sky was alluring. Her heartbeat accelerated and she felt compelled to get closer to the water.
At the edge of the gardens, there were a few steps carved on the rocks, leading down to a little private cove.
Helena enjoyed the fresh sea breeze softly caressing her face and took a deep breath, smelling the aroma of jasmine and roses mixed with the salty air of the sea. She felt so refreshed, so alive… the sea had a magic of its own at night.
She took off her shoes and walked along the beach, feeling the warm sand oozing between her toes. Letting her eyes wander over the amazing body of water, memories of the past whirled around in her mind. She thought about her parents and her early childhood years. Then she thought about her mother and how sad she was in the years following her father's death…
***
Helena was taken aback hearing a sound behind her. Turning around, she saw the young man who came with Stella, coming down the steps and walking towards her. She noticed the tall, well-built body with the broad shoulders, and as he came closer, she noticed the handsome face with the blond hair and the dark blue eyes.
"I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you,” he said softly and gave Helena a reassuring smile. "I was bored in there and decided to come down here to sit by the water. When I saw you walking on the beach… I recognized you. You’re Helena Sistakis, Angelos’ daughter, right?”
Helena nodded. "And you’re Stella's cousin," she said looking at the handsome face in the dim moonlight.
"My name is Alex Psarianos, and yes, I’m Stella's cousin,” he replied and took a deep breath, staring at her intensely. “I see you’ve already met my cousin,” he went on. “Don't let her intimidate you. Stella is nothing but a spoiled brat who’s used to getting her way. She thinks of you as a threat for her precious fiancé."
"I didn't know that Stella and Dimitris were engaged," Helena said and stared at him, puzzled.
"At least that's what Stella thinks,” Alex said. "But that’s enough about Stella,” he went on, dismissing the subject. “Let's talk about you. I’ve heard you came from London," he went on, and his eyes searched her face and went down to the slim, beautiful figure.
"Yes," Helena replied, feeling a little uncomfortable under his penetrating gaze. "After my mother’s death, I finally decided to come visit my father's family and the island where I was born."
"I don't remember you,” Alex said, "even though we should be about the same age. But then again, my family used to spend more time in Athens than on the island."
"It’s been a long time,” Helena said. "Even if we had met back then, we would probably not remember it."
"I would always remember a beauty like you,” he said, and Helena felt herself blushing.
"I’ve heard you’re a lawyer.” She quickly changed the subject, turning towards the sea. “I used to work as a legal secretary back home, trying to pay my way through college.”
"I got my degree a couple months ago, but I haven’t practiced law as of yet,” he responded, moving even closer. “I’ve spent so many years in school studying hard, and now it’s time for me to enjoy life for a while," he continued and stood right behind her.
Helena could sense his gaze burning into her back and shifted uncomfortably. He was polite all right, but she’d seen the desire burning in his eyes, and suddenly, didn’t feel good about being out here all alone with him. After all, she knew nothing about him. Don’t be ridiculous, she reprimanded herself and turned to look at him.
"It must be nice not having to worry about money," she said, wanting to break the silence.
Alex glanced at her strangely and seemed about to say something, when a sarcastic voice interrupted him…
"What a beautiful sight!"
Helena was taken aback for the second time that night and turning around, she saw Dimitris walking towards them. Where on earth did he come from? He was supposed to be in Athens, and wasn’t due back until Monday morning.
Seeing the fire burning in his eyes, she realized how this scene would seem to him. She wasn’t wearing any shoes and her hair had gotten loose by the wind. Alex had dropped his jacket on the sand, and he was standing there with a couple of buttons on his shirt unbuttoned. Helena blushed, guessing what Dimitris might be thinking.
Suddenly, she felt her temper rising. How dare he, jumping to conclusions like this? She wasn’t the type of girl who would make out with the first man who came along. And after all, it was none of his business what she did anyway.
Not even knowing why, she reached over and grabbed Alex's hand. He seemed surprised for a split of a second, but he didn’t say anything and even more, he didn’t pull his hand away.
"Hi, Dimitris," Helena said, keeping her voice steady. "We didn’t expect you back until Monday."
"I can see that," he pointed out angrily, clenching his fists.
"Well, you’ve missed out on a really good party," she said and, turning to Alex, she continued, "We should be getting back. Aunt Sophie will be worried."
They started walking towards the steps, when Dimitris’ hand grabbed her arm, stopping her dead in her tracks.
"Sophie has already gone home,” he said. "I told her I would take you back."
Helena couldn’t believe her ears. She dreaded another ride in the car with him. She was about to protest, when she saw the warning look in his eyes.
Turning to Alex, she forced herself to smile and said, "It was very nice meeting you. I hope to see you again soon…" However, she didn’t have a chance to finish what she was saying, as Dimitris was dragging her in the opposite direction.
She heard Alex wishing her good night and promising to see her soon. After that last remark, Dimitris tightened his grip on her arm. She tried to pull her arm free, but he held her steadily.
As they were walking in the opposite direction of the house, she thought he must have parked down the street. It was then that she saw the speedboat. But of course, she thought, he came by boat. A lot of people on the island used boats more than cars. Apprehension washed over her, thinking she was going to be alone with him on the boat. The way he felt about her, she was sure he would throw her overboard and leave her there to drown.
Reaching the small dock, where the speedboat was tied, Dimitris let go of her arm and jumped on the boat. "Give me your hand,” he said, reaching over for her and when she didn’t, he grabbed it and helped her climb aboard.
Trying hard to control her temper, Helena went to sit in the back, keeping her eyes away from him. Her skin was still burning from his touch, and her heart was pounding fast. She forced herself to remain silent, even though, rising flames of anger threatened to engulf her. Then again, she could tell he was in a foul mood already, and whatever she said would only make things worse.
She glanced at him as he walked to the front and turned the powerful engine on. The boat started rocking, and Helena realized she didn’t have anything to eat all night. Oh no, she thought. She clenched her teeth and decided to hang in there until they arrived at home. She didn’t want to embarrass herself by throwing up.
Fortunately, they were home within a few minutes. Helena got out of the boat without waiting for his help. Hastily, she ran across the beach and climbed the steps leading to the house without a backward glance. When she reached the house, she rushed inside and upstairs to her room. She knew she was being rude but at that point, she didn’t care. Her stomach was already doing flips, and she hardly made it to the bathroom in time.
***
Hours later, she was lying in bed still awake, thinking of the events of the day. Everything had been fine until he showed up. “Why does he have to ruin everything?” she wondered out loud. Then again, if she wanted to be honest with herself, she was thrilled to see him back. The moment she heard his voice at the beach, her heartbeat accelerated and her mouth went dry. No matter how hard she tried to deny her feelings and the way her body responded to his mere presence, the fact remained that she yearned for him the whole evening. She wanted to see his smile, get lost in those captivating eyes of his, and feel his arms holding her close...
Helena shivered and clenched her fists. What’s wrong with me? She had never experienced anything like this before. And now, she had these fee
lings growing stronger every day. She felt as if she was losing control of her emotions… and all that over him—over the same person who had stolen her family’s fortune.
Anxiously, she got out of bed and walked over to the French doors which led to the balcony. The doors were open, and Helena drew a deep breath of fresh salty air and let her eyes wander over the vast body of the sea. The dark color of the waters reflected the emotions tormenting her soul. She stepped out on the balcony, enjoying the soft caress of the night breeze on her face and body, and the coolness of the tiles on her bare feet. She closed her eyes and hugged herself, while enticing thoughts whirled around in her mind… images of him holding her in his arms, pressing her against his rock hard body, caressing her back and arms…
Bewildered, she snapped out of it. Trying to shift her thoughts away from him, she thought about Alex. He seemed nice and so much easier to get along with than Dimitris. But even when she was alone with Alex, her intimate thoughts kept on going back to Dimitris. Why was he so upset with her? She knew that Greeks had a strong sense of honor, but Dimitris wasn’t her father or her husband. He had no reason to get so upset over finding her alone with Alex at the beach. There was nothing going on, but even if it was, it was none of his business. Or was it? A soft voice kept on whispering in the back of her head. What was going on? Why did she have this feeling she had done something wrong? What was this overwhelming emotion threatening to engulf her—that in some way she belonged to him?
Enough with this nonsense, Helena thought. She was sick and tired of being carried away by her emotions and the strange premonitions she would have from time to time. Her mother, Erin, used to tell her she had inherited this gift from her grandmother, Eleana. Erin had been very fond of her mother-in-law, the very short time she’d spent with her. Eleana Sistakis passed away only a few months after Angelos was married to Erin. In the short time Eleana spent with them at the house on the island, Erin grew very fond of the wise, old lady who helped her overcome her anxiety and fears and blend in with the people on the island. She seemed to know so much about so many things… about life itself, and Erin enjoyed every minute of their endless conversations, whenever Angelos was away on business.
