Mad Love

by Colet Abedi

“I would love to meet him.” Clayton doesn’t look too thrilled with my announcement. “I’ll be right back,” I tell him and squeeze his hand in reassurance.

  Noom nods a polite goodbye to Clayton and then we walk away.

  “You really swam with sharks?” she asks as we walk.

  Well, I wouldn’t really call it swimming, I think to myself. More like sinking and holding my breath. But Noom doesn’t need to know that.

  “Yes.”

  “I’m proud of you, Sophie. That takes a brave soul.”

  “Thank you. But I wasn’t so brave afterward when I fainted,” I admit to her.

  Noom laughs.

  “Fear is good. Fear makes us human. It makes us know our mortality and our worth. Don’t be embarrassed by that. You should be happy with yourself for facing your demons.”

  “The sharks, you mean?”

  “Your demons, Sophie. The sharks only represent them.”

  I’m quiet as I absorb Noom’s words. What am I afraid of if not sharks? When did I become afraid, and why? I guess Noom is right and that I should be happy that I actually took a plunge into the sea. I just faced one of the biggest fears I’ve ever had in my life. Maybe it’s a metaphor for me facing my life head on from now on.

  “You know that tonight is very important,” Noom tells me.

  “I know. It’s the end of days.”

  “No. It is a day that we can realize our true potential. That is why it is so special. It is a soul ascension. You see that it is a full moon tonight.”

  How could I miss it? The moon looks so close it’s like you can almost touch it.

  “We believe the moon is very powerful. Every cycle brings depth into our lives. There is a beauty in the change that the moon brings. It helps us remember the cycle of life, of birth, and death. And then again, the rebirth. With every full moon we are shown that it is possible for us to become our true potential. So this evening is about celebrating that.”

  Her words hit me hard and for the first time I look up at the giant, white, beaming orb that is lighting up the night. It really is a spectacular sight. I don’t think I’ll ever look at the moon the same way again.

  “That’s a wonderful thing to say, Noom.”

  “Truth always is.”

  Noom finds the table she is looking for and motions to a man with peppered gray hair. He’s in his late fifties, of medium height, wearing glasses, and his look is intense. There’s something about him that calls to you. Makes you want to rush into his embrace and cry your eyes out.

  I wonder if I’m having island fever.

  “Dan, I want you to meet Sophie.” Dan stands and puts out the cigarette he was smoking. He reaches out his hand and pulls me into his embrace.

  “Nice to meet you, Sophie.”

  “You as well.”

  “Noom tells me that we must have a session together,” he says.

  I look over at Noom, a woman I’ve known since this morning and yet I feel so close to. It seems to be a recurring theme for me in the Maldives.

  “She did?”

  “Yes. She said you are very special.”

  “I am?” I can’t keep the shock out of my voice.

  Dan laughs. “Why are you so surprised to hear it?”

  I shrug. “Well, Noom and I just met, and I’ve never considered myself as special. Crazy, yes. Special, no.”

  He smiles at me warmly. “I like your sense of humor. It is refreshing.”

  “I’m sure you encounter people like me all the time,” I answer with a smile.

  “Actually, no,” Dan responds.

  I wonder if that is a good or bad thing. I try to be optimistic and think it’s good.

  “Would you like to schedule a healing with me? It’s different than what Noom does.”

  “How does your healing differ from Noom’s?”

  “Don’t be afraid, Sophie,” Noom says. “It is a once in a lifetime experience. Dan is the one who changed my life and made me see my calling as a crystal healer. We are very lucky to have him here right now. He surprised us all.”

  So if I see Dan, will I stay in the Maldives and become a crystal healer as well? I don’t think my parents would be too happy about that. I’m thinking for them it would be worse than me wanting to be an artist. I think Dan can see the uncertainty in my eyes.

  “I promise I will only give you truth,” Dan says to me. It all sounds mysterious to me, but whether it’s the general weather and sense of relaxation that this place gives me, I agree to it.

  “Great. Then I will call your room tomorrow to schedule an appointment.”

  “Thank you. I look forward to our session.” I turn to Noom. “I should get back to my friends now.”

  “Yes. I’m sorry for taking you from your party.” Noom’s smile wavers for a second. “How do you know Mr. Clayton?”

  Oh boy. I was kind of wondering when she was going to ask me.

  “I just met him.”

  “He is very familiar to you.” I blush and look away. Noom rushes to assure me. “No, I don’t say that in a bad way. It must be a soul connection. Things that happen so fast usually are.”

  Soul connection? I wonder what Clayton would think if I said that to him?

  I try to blow her comments off. “We’re just getting to know each other.”

  Noom seems to struggle a bit with what she wants to say but then goes for it.

  “He is different than you.”

  Is he ever, Noom. Let me count the ways.

  “I know.”

  “Forgive me, Sophie. But you are innocent—“ Noom blushes.

  If the sand would swallow me whole, I’d be the happiest person on earth. I really hope she doesn’t bring up my—

  “I felt your inexperience.”

  Holy shit. She went there.

  The part that’s amazing is that I’m actually standing here allowing her to say these really personal things to me. A woman I don’t even know. I search for the most polite way to say that it really isn’t any of her concern, but she keeps going.

  “But maybe you are the food he needs.”

  I look at her, puzzled.

  “For his soul, Sophie.” Noom suddenly smiles and pulls me in for a big hug. “Enjoy your evening. I see it. You are the sustenance he’s been searching for.”

  She leaves me standing there staring after her in complete shock.

  What the hell is wrong with his soul?

  I see a sudden flash of the distance that came into his eyes earlier today at his villa. And I’ve already seen it several times. Yes, there’s definitely something going on in there. But then, don’t we all have the same types of issues? Don’t we all have our very own demons? I sure as heck do. I decide not to obsess about her comments because the riddle will most certainly not be solved tonight, and I head back to our table.

  As I make my way across the beach, my eyes meet Clayton’s. I get the feeling he’s been watching me the whole time. I can’t seem to break his gaze as I head over to him. Once I’m close, he stands up to pull out my chair for me. For all his, “I’m not a gentleman” comments, he sure acts like one.

  “So tell me about that man.”

  He never does jealousy, right?

  “His name is Dan,” I tell him as he sits back down at the head of the table.

  “Did you book a session with him?”

  “Yes, for tomorrow. Or at least he’s going to call me tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow might not work for you,” he tells me with a secret smile. Really?

  “Why?” I ask.

  Before he can answer, Erik interrupts.

  “Why didn’t you introduce me to Noom, Sophie?” Erik shouts out to me from across the table.

  “We wanted to meet her,” Orie chimes in loudly.

  The table is now on another round of yummy-looking cocktails. I pick up my boring champagne and take a sip. I suddenly feel like Clayton and I are the old farts at a table full of fun teens.

  “Sorry, I totally forgot
. I’ll try to find her later on and bring her over to you guys.”

  “Who was she anyway?” Jane asks with a hint of disdain. If looks could speak, hers would definitely say, “Why are we talking about the hired help?” God, does she need a reality check.

  “A crystal energy healer.” Erik tells her, totally unfazed by her attitude. Or if he is, he hides it well.

  Jane laughs in amusement. She looks so condescending. “Oh, my God. You don’t believe in all that rubbish, do you?”

  “Why not?” Orie asks in a bitchy tone. I take another sip of my champagne and get ready for good old Jane to make a nasty comment. I’ve already come to the conclusion that it is inevitable with her.

  “It is completely ridiculous.”

  “Have you ever had a session with a crystal energy healer?” Orie asks her seriously. I know that he has a severe disdain for negative people in general. I almost feel sorry for her.

  “No,” Jane snorts. “I would never think of seeing a charlatan.”

  “Isn’t that a bit unfair? Don’t you think you should at least try something before you form an opinion?” he responds.

  “I don’t have to experience her healing to know that it’s a load of bull, intended to prey on weak-minded individuals.” Jane smiles coolly at Orie as she picks up her drink and takes a sip. The bitch’s claws are out and I’m boiling now. I don’t appreciate her insinuation.

  “Well, I, for one, believe,” Elizabeth interjects with a quick smile, clearly trying to avoid an argument. She looks at me curiously. “How was your session, Sophie? Tell us about it. Maybe Jane will understand if you explain it to her.”

  All eyes turn to me. Everyone except Jane seems pretty interested in Noom.

  “It was nice,” is all I can think to say, all I want to reveal.

  “Come on, give us some more details, please,” Eduard demands as he leans in curiously.

  Clayton reaches out, takes my hand, and squeezes it.

  “Sophie doesn’t have to share a private experience with a table of people she barely knows.” He literally speaks my mind. I smile at him gratefully. I think I love him at this moment.

  “Why not? If she believes in the airy fairy she should stand by it,” Jane returns rather bitchily. “Unless she’s afraid of what we might think.”

  Oh no, she didn’t.

  In an instant I sit up taller in my chair and smile coldly at Jane. She doesn’t know me at all. I’ve spent enough time watching my father chew people up for breakfast and spit them out for dinner, and I picked up a thing or two along the way.

  “What is it you’d like to know, Jane?” I ask, in an overly inquisitive, sarcastic tone.

  Erik and Orie smile in anticipation. If Erik could rub his hands together, he would. They’ve witnessed scenes like this go down a few times.

  “More details than ‘it was nice.’ That’s a safe comment. But then maybe you like to play it safe.”

  The silence at the table is deafening. She’s just launched an attack against me. Every single person sitting here knows it and I’m actually glad she did, because now I get to put this bitchy Debbie Downer in her place.

  “Jane—“ Elizabeth tries to warn her. She gives Jane a look and I wonder again how in hell these two women are even friends. But Elizabeth doesn’t need to defend me—I’m perfectly capable of doing it myself.

  I hold my hand up and smile politely at her.

  “It’s alright, Elizabeth. I’ve got this.”

  I turn my attention to Jane.

  “Are you sure you’re ready to hear the truth?” The warning in my voice is unmistakable.

  “Yes. I am ready to hear what you think is the truth, Sophie.”

  If we were in a boxing ring, the starting bell would have just rung. I lean in comfortably on the table, totally relaxed, careful to keep my tone cool, calm, completely unemotional. I could hear my dad’s voice in my head: To win any argument, one must remain unattached, almost bored, and above all, amused by one’s opponent.

  “The truth is, it was an incredible experience. Mind blowing. I’ve had Ayurvedic and stone massages, acupuncture, Chi Nei Tsang, if you even know what that is, but this is in a league of its own. I felt energy around my body when she did her healing. We’re all made of energy, so it isn’t a leap of faith to believe in this. That’s not “airy fairy.” That’s science. And if you care to know whether I’d do it again, the answer is yes. Would I recommend the experience? Yes. Absolutely.” (And now for the chew.) ”Especially for someone who is very narrow minded and desperately needs to grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally.”

  I take a moment to smile at her and I’m happy to note that she looks stunned. “You know, since you asked.”

  The table is dead silent.

  I watch as Jane’s face turns bright red. I immediately feel guilty for my attack, but good Lord, does it feel good to have shut this lady up.

  “I guess that sums it up,” Clayton interjects with a smile.

  “I’m so in, girl. I need to see her.” The tone in Orie’s voice is one of pride. I know he and Erik just enjoyed that. They love to see what happens when my hackles are up.

  “I’m definitely going to book a session with her, too,” Eduard agrees in excitement. “I like the sound of her.”

  “Me, too,” Elizabeth chimes in. She smiles shyly at Eduard and then looks away.

  Hmmm. Was that a look of longing I saw in her eyes? I look over at Eduard and notice that he is completely oblivious. Not shocking, since he’s a man, but still. Elizabeth is incredibly beautiful and sweet. I’m surprised he hasn’t pursued her. They all travel together. That tends to help spark a romantic fuse. What’s wrong with him? How can he not notice this woman?

  My train of thought is distracted by the arrival of a hundred different appetizers to our table. The food varies from Indian samosas, to sashimi and sushi, to Thai chicken skewers. You name it and it seems to be on our table. This man, I’ve come to understand, doesn’t mess around. About anything.

  “You weren’t kidding when you said you ordered everything.” I say to Clayton.

  “Well, the theme is a world market of food so I thought we should try something from every corner of the world,” Clayton says. “What can I get for you?”

  “I’ll help myself, thank you,” I tell him and then watch as he ignores me and literally piles food on my plate. I laugh. “Why did you even ask?”

  “I thought I’d be polite,” he tells me with a smile. Everyone pounces on the food.

  “That was quite a chastisement,” he says so quietly and nonchalantly that it takes me a second to realize that he’s talking about Jane.

  “She kind of deserved it,” I defend myself, hoping that he doesn’t take her side.

  “She more than deserved it.” Clayton helps himself to food then turns to smile at me. “You’re very good at that. It’s no wonder your father is upset that you quit law school.”

  Did I tell him that? I guess I must have, because how else would he know? But I don’t remember telling him. Funny. In any case, I’m happy he doesn’t disapprove.

  “I guess.”

  He remains quiet and the awkward moment with Jane suddenly seems like it never happened. Everyone is talking and enjoying one another. Eduard and John start to tell childhood stories of when the boys went on trips together on holiday breaks and have the table laughing in no time. I’m secretly thrilled to get to know as much about Clayton as possible.

  “The best trip was to Klosters in Switzerland. Do you remember, Clayton?” Eduard asks him with a devilish smile.

  “I recall some moments,” Clayton returns evenly. He gives his friend a look.

  John interrupts in hysterical laughter. “You recall?” He’s clearly had one too many. “You recall? My god man, you were thrown out of the Walserhof on your ass. And a very naked ass, I might add. Don’t you remember?”

  Eduard and John can’t stop laughing and Elizabeth and Jane join in. Obviously this is a story they
all know well.

  “The first Sinclair thrown out of the Walserhof!”

  John can’t seem to get a grip. I look at Clayton, who’s leaning back in his chair staring in amusement at his friends.

  “We gotta hear this story,” Erik demands. “This is not fair. You can’t be the only ones laughing.”

  “I want to know why you were naked,” Orie adds.

  I couldn’t agree more.

  Eduard holds up his hand and looks around at the table, signaling everyone to quiet down.

  “We always took yearly ski trips. Since Clayton was back and forth from Singapore and we didn’t get to see him often, we really looked forward to these trips.”

  Back and forth from Singapore? Okay, so one of his parents must have lived there.

  “Were your parents with you?” Erik asks.

  They all look horrified at the thought.

  “What kind of trip would that be?” John asks, with a roll of his eyes. “Can you imagine?”

  Erik shrugs his shoulders. “Actually, I can. I travel with my family all the time. They’re cool as shit.”

  “Trust me. If you met the people who gave birth to us, you’d understand my comment,” John mutters darkly and takes another sip of his drink.

  I look over at Clayton, who’s staring down at the table pensively. I hope he didn’t have it as bad as these guys. What are you thinking, Sophie? He probably did. Birds of a feather tend to flock together.

  “Let’s not put a damper on our conversation, John. No one wants to get depressed. Besides, you pay the family therapist to listen to your problems,” Eduard lectures his friend.

  Family therapist? My life is beginning to look like a Pixar movie in comparison.

  “So we arrived at Klosters, John and I, and Clayton was already there,” Eduard goes on.

  Clayton looks over at me and shrugs his shoulders as if to apologize for his friends.

  “We soon find out he’d arrived a day early. Turns out that our good old boy was having a bit of a dalliance with Sir John Pemberton’s wife,” Eduard says.

  “The wolf was only nineteen at the time and Pemberton’s wife was in her late twenties,” John blurts out, finding this vastly amusing.

  “Old Pemberton always did like them young,” Eduard chimes in as he throws back his drink.