Back at the chair she organized her meal, bowed her head for a brief thanksgiving prayer, and proceeded to bite into the mildly spiced chicken sandwich.
A shadow covered her, and Jolene looked up. unconsciously moaning by the ill-timed visit from her mother.
“I see you are eating,” Sheki said. “May I come back when you’re done? I’d like to get to know my daughter.”
She announced it like it was a normal request for a mother to give.
“Certainly, but drag your chair over with you. Can’t leave it abandoned for a moment today. Seems everyone in the resort has decided to bask in the sun.”
“I’ll ask the beachcomber – or so the hired-man likes to be called – to come set me up beside you. Selene has gone off with Craig somewhere, so this is the perfect time for us to be alone.”
True to her word within fifteen minutes she was perched under a wide umbrella and relaxing in her chair. The canopy managed to rob Jolene of the sunshine she craved, but she kept that disappointment to herself. The man offered to relieve Jolene of her empty lunch bag and bring it to the garbage.
Tummy full, she leaned back to sip the rest of her drink. She’d wait for Sheki to open the conversation.
“How are you feeling about the news release?” she finally asked.
“News release? This is not a business transaction that you and father neglected to finalize.” The woman had a one-track mind. It appeared all details of her life took on a certain order-of-business and failed to focus on the personal touch.
“I suppose that came off sounding official. You must know I don’t do personal very well.”
“You managed to raise one daughter – that takes a heart and soul contact,” Jolene said.
“Oh, dear, you give me far too much credit. I’d have failed miserably without the help of Atlanta’s finest nannies.”
“You underestimate yourself. Life presents challenges at home and work, experience being the best teacher.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Sheki said. “You may as well know right off that I tend to indulge my selfish nature. I was raised in an underprivileged environment as an only child, and when I finally broke free I was ecstatic. I’m ashamed to admit that I married your father for the stability he offered, and when I saw my dream career unfolding, my need for him grew less. Then I got pregnant. The idea of motherhood threw me for a loop: One child was more than I could cope with, so when twin baby girls arrived, I crumbled, and took far too many pills just to make it through the day. I felt certain I’d never survive.”
“Poor you,” Jolene said as she took a long sip of her drink. If the woman expected sympathy from her, she’d be sadly disappointed.
“Well, it turned out my childhood fantasy won over the idea of being stuck as a mere homemaker waiting for my husband to return from his exciting career. The plan to separate you girls took effect one month after you were born, and at the time, it seemed the only reasonable solution.”
“Reasonable?” Jolene barely comprehended what she was hearing.
“Yes, and look at you now; you are all grown and your father did an amazing job. I understand you travel the world.”
“I’m not on holidays, if that’s what you are implying. I’m a flight attendant who serves clients as they travel the world.”
“Oh, dear. It sounded so much better the way your father described it.”
“I’ve enjoyed it, and it’s provided me opportunity to see other countries. I especially enjoy the diversity of cultures. To think that the entire human race is created with skin and bones but we all think and live so differently.”
“There you go!” Sheki announced, as if they’d won a prize. “How about you think of me as someone from another culture? Perhaps that will soften your heart and help you to understand.”
“I suppose I could try that,” Jolene said, anxious to make an effort at anything that might lead to discovering one thing she liked about this woman.
“You will get on well with your sister, Selene. Although she is career driven like me, she actually enjoys the odd emotional encounter. She is insufferably independent – won’t hear of coming to work for me. Has to hang in with Fashion Queen Magazine to prove she can do it on her own.” She raised her tall glass with the fancy umbrella sticking out the top, to her lips. “And look where that landed her; at the bottom of the heap—again.”
“I do recall Craig mentioning something about her losing a promotion at the workplace just before they came to the resort.”
“Yes.” Sheki said quickly, and plunged the conversation where Jolene did not want to go. “I find it interesting that in all the world, Craig has managed to touch both of my daughter’s lives.”
“Interesting is not the word I’d use. More like a disaster,” Jolene said. “How can we hope to build a new relationship when we both care for the same man?”
“Oh, I understood you and Craig were history?”
Jolene stammered. “We are, but it’s still awkward.”
“Matters of the heart are always awkward. That’s why I chose career. Men are a mere distraction I get tied up with now and then, but it never ends well.”
“I will get married someday, and it will be for life, with no chance of scattering abandoned children around the countryside to pick up the pieces I toss selfishly in my wake.”
“I detect anger, and I understand completely. I’m sorry you think that picture you painted applies to you and me. Truly, I couldn’t wait for your father’s yearly updates; the pictures, the dance recitals, graduations and prom night. I treasured it all in my heart and always wished the best for you.”
“Is that what this little chit-chat is all about? You trying to appease your guilty conscience by making your inconsiderate act years ago sound normal. Our relationship is anything but normal, and both you and daddy have made this unplanned introduction to my twin sister a mockery.”
Jolene saw a misty glaze cover Sheki’s eyes but would not back down. “I am so sorry that you’re being forced to tread in the emotional arena that you so detest. I’ll leave now so you can regain control of your cold heart.”
She jumped off the lounger, grabbed her beach bag and headed for the dock. Maybe paddling a boat out to the center of the lake would help to stifle her temper.
Why couldn’t she come to grips with this mess? Four days was not nearly long enough to undo a lifetime of damage.
Chapter 13
At supper Selene came and hovered over her table. “May I join you?”
Jolene had simmered and did not relish another confrontation with the Gabel’s but at the same time wanted the meeting more than anything.
“Yes, please, I’d like that.”
She sat, removed the cloth napkin from the table setting and placed it on her lap. Jolene did the same as the waiter approached with the meals that each had pre-ordered on the daily fill-in sheet that was slipped under their door every night.
“Salmon?” Selene said. “Never could stomach it no matter how many times our chef said it was a healthy choice.”
“I only order it at five-star restaurants, and from the meals I’ve enjoyed thus far, the chef at Heritage Inn is one of the best in all the countries I’ve visited around the globe.”
“Do you enjoy traveling the globe? I tired of it quickly and only go when work demands it,” Selene said.
“I am a flight attendant; my job demands it all the time.”
The girls laughed and it felt good. Selene studied her twin sister. “You don’t look anything like me.”
“Twins delivered from two sacs are not supposed to look alike.”
“I suppose, but the very word twin conjures that image in your head,” Selene said.
“I’m glad we don’t look alike. Sometimes I hate the image in the mirror that stares back at me.”
Selene jerked her head back. “Why? You are gorgeous without even trying.”
“I supposed when I feel dissatisfied on the inside the outside goes into s
ympathy-mode.” She bit her lip, not wanting to go there with Selene, the rising star of Fashion Queen Magazine.
“My mother bragged of your success when we dressed for dinner, and says you have an inner beauty that is quite captivating.”
“Your mother said that?” Jolene asked, surprised she hadn’t described her as an insolent brat, too suntanned and bitter.
“Our mother said that,” Selene said, sighing, “For now, can we forget that our parents made the worst mistake of their lives in separating their daughters? I want to get to know my sister. You may find it odd, but all the time I spent with professional nannies and tutors, I always envisioned a sibling sat at a desk beside me suffering the same boring fate, or snuggled in the imaginary bed in my room at night. The idea of her made my childhood more bearable.”
“I’m sorry you hated your life so much,” Jolene said.
“It had its moments, but lacked the element of intimacy that I noticed other kids enjoying at parks with their parents. But my mother’s efforts paid off in the end. I am brainwashed and love all the same superficial things my mother does. The inner child tests the boundaries on occasion but its usually a catastrophe.”
“I loved my childhood, even without a mother. Daddy doted on me and still managed to become a very successful businessman.” She almost said she was glad she’d gotten the more balanced parent, but held back. “Once I asked him why he couldn’t find a woman to go out with; he laughed and then proceeded to ask me on a date. I think we went fishing that time.”
“Fishing! Oh, my, with slimy worms and poor little minnows?”
Jolene chuckled. “We come from two different worlds. It’s no wonder our parents couldn’t make their marriage work. Opposites might attract but long-term survival is quite another matter.”
Selene became quiet and after a minute of empty conversation she said, “I’m sort of thinking about me and Craig – being opposites and all.”
Jolene swallowed hard. She did not want to be caught in the middle of that conversation, but unfortunately, her sister was just getting started. “You both have successful careers; that’s a similarity,” she said trying to erase the sad expression from her face.
“True, but for me work is the driving force to get me out of bed in the morning. Losing the promotion has robbed me of what makes me tick. I feel lost and drained dry.”
“Sometimes it’s good to take a step back and regroup. Consider this vacation a time to reset the energy button for the next great adventure.”
Selene laughed. “That is an encouraging way of viewing the loss of what I worked so hard for, and rightly deserved.”
“Obviously someone else did the work as well. Maybe he’ll fall flat on his face and your boss will come crawling back to you. That would give you another edge with the upper crust.”
“Again – where do you come up with these ideas?”
“My father always taught me to look on the bright side of every cloud – even the grey gloomy ones can suddenly burst open to allow a new, stronger light to shine through the darkness.”
Selene’s cell phoned rang and she quickly glanced down at the caller’s I.D. “I have to take this Jolene.” She pressed accept and grew very quiet. As she listened, Selene’s eyes lit up with a glow Jolene had not seen in her sister during their time at the resort. After the odd “yes,” and “certainly”, and an unconvincing, “I’m sorry”, she hung up.
“Bad news?” Jolene asked.
“No – I think this news almost ranks as high as finding a sister.” She bounced to her feet. “I need to talk to mother.” As she gathered her purse her hands visibly shook. Two feet from the table she turned back. “Thanks for telling me about the light behind that black cloud. I’ll always count it as hope whenever I find myself in a dark place.”
Jolene was confused but pleased that Selene had received happy news. She finished the last three bites of her cherry cheese cake and left the dining room with her bag of gifts. The guest sitting room was still empty and she hurried to the fireplace, decorated in all of its Christmas splendor. Names glittered with sparkles on each homemade, felt stocking and Jolene quickly found the names and put her garage sale items inside. She almost put the lovebirds in Craig’s stocking – for he and Selene, but couldn’t bear to be a part of sealing their love pact. She stared at the stocking that bore her sisters name, despite the fact she did not participate.
Mrs. Claus had sent Jolene a heart and the promise of love. If she couldn’t have Craig, she would rejoice with the love that would grow and bind her with Selene. She was family. Even Sheki and especially her father were family. Not a gift to be taken lightly. What were the exact words on the note that came with the ornament? She searched her memory: Hearts are not broken, but need intertwined, to beat the rhythm of a love sublime. Seek and ye shall find.
Of course! The gifting was never meant to find romantic love but was intended for a family that needed to be untangled. She smiled and chose to leave the obvious miracle in the spiritual realm where mortals could not hope to understand but received His unmerited grace just the same. Her fingers withdrew the blue heart and she placed it carefully in the stocking. She kissed her fingers and touched them to the gift. A sister – who would have ever thought that the surprise vacation would land her a sister.
At seven-thirty the room was full of excited guests. Hot cider was served by the kitchen staff with complimentary Christmas cookies and cakes. Jolene did the rounds of people she’d met watching for any sign of her family. She sighed in relief when her father and Barbie showed up. She hurried to greet them.
“What have you two been up to?”
“We went on the short cruise offered by the Inn. That was exciting. I’m trying to persuade your father to buy us a cottage on this lake. I love it here.”
“And I think we should just do some traveling – explore more of these special spots scattered around our country,” Trace said.
“I’d have to agree with my father, Barbie. Our homeland is as beautiful as any I’ve seen and you have plenty of time to buy something later, should you decide.”
Trace reached for his daughter’s hand. “You sound a bit chirpier. Been keeping my distance to give you time to adjust to the news.”
“I’ve given up trying to understand how parents could justify separating twins at birth. It’s in the past and I am trying to move forward. Sheki will be my biggest challenge. We don’t think on the same wave lengths. But Selene shows promise. She is not entirely as artificial as her mother – our mother. Although now that I’ve met her, I’m relieved the childhood yearning for her parental comfort does not exist any longer. I’m sure she would have been a disappointment in that area.” Jolene smiled at Barbie. “Whereas, I will enjoy building a relationship with you, maybe not a motherly one, but definitely a friend.”
Barbie swept her husband’s daughter into her arms. “You will never know how pleased I am to hear you say that. People told me horror stories of families that did not accept the second wife and made everyone’s life miserable.”
“Not to mention, you’re young enough to be my older sister,” Jolene said, and they all laughed and moved toward a couch.
Travis’ voice pierced the chattering group and they all looked toward the man standing next to the fireplace. “Thank you all for coming, and especially those who have participated in the hunt for Christmas treasures in our town of Pineville. I thought it would be nice to give everyone center stage when peeking in their stocking. So, get comfortable and let’s begin.”
As each name was called the recipient came forward and displayed the contents of their stocking to the crowd. No one owned up to being the giver of the gift but it was interesting to hear how, in such a short time, strangers had hit the target when choosing something special for their fellow guests. Many heartfelt and humorous stories were laid bare and served to bond the group together in a way no one would soon forget.
When Trace and Barbie were called, they discovered the love
birds that Jolene had given to them instead of Craig and Selene. Somehow, she couldn’t find the courage to go through with it. It was one thing conceding to the fact that they were a couple but it was quite another to endorse it, because even if Craig ended it when he left Atlanta, Jolene could never take Selene’s place, not if she wanted their sisterhood to grow without a constant reminder of cupid’s arrow missing the mark.
In her stocking, Jolene found the lip-smacking gift pack of eatable yummies, compliments of the Inn and some lovely writing paper from Barbie who wanted them to correspond as they spent their first year as a married couple traveling. Trace Sumpter had taken a leave of absence from his job, providing only two hours a day, via the internet, to the company who claimed they could not survive without him. He enjoyed the best of both worlds. Her father, who could not deny his intimate gift, had placed a teddy bear ornament in her stocking, the exact likeness of the brown stuffed animal she’d clung to as a child, Tears sprang into her eyes.
She threw her arms round him and hugged him fiercely, whispering in his ears the comforting words they’d shared every time business tore him away from home during her childhood. “Teddy will watch over me while you are gone on your lengthy honeymoon. I love you, daddy.”
In return he whispered, “Your burly bear will comfort you with my arms of love every day we are apart – just like he did when you were a child.” He kissed her teary-wet cheek. “I love you too, Jolene.”
The room was clearing out as Jolene made her way to the fireplace. There had been many other small significant gifts in her bag and she’d related many stories to the eager crowd. But Craig never showed his face and from the contents in the stocking, she knew he’d not put anything in there for her. She sucked up her disappointment and ran her fingers along the edge of the foot of the red manly adorned stocking that still hung on the line. Selene’s was beside it and the Inn had provided an elaborate stocking for Sheki. The missing threesome.
She sighed deeply and determined to leave Craig in the past where he belonged and pray for opportunities to become better acquainted with her new family. Atlanta was a long way from home and she doubted it would be easy once they left the resort.
Christmas Hearts in July Page 9
