Lovers and Reprisals (Lovers Series)

by Turner, Lori

  Rachel skirted around the desk. He looked at Ona and Rachel said…

  “The answer to all of this programs problems is standing right here in front of you—and he wants to help. If I were you, I’d take him up on his offer.”

  Rachel was slipping on her coat, and Ona’s voice quivered when she asked.

  “Rachel…why are you putting on your coat? Where are you going?”

  In the past when Lucien made his weekly visits, Rachel had served as an unofficial chaperone. She’d insisted, just in case one of her brothers arrived because she knew their opinions.

  Rachel said…

  “Look—We’ve known each other for nearly half a year, and I’ve met both of your brother’s and one of your brother’s friends. I know enough about your religion to make a few conclusions and I also know that, it wouldn’t be wise allowing them to see you and Mr. Delors alone in your office.”

  “What makes you think that I’m going into my office with Mr. Delors?”

  “You have to go to your office because you cannot conduct business out here. It’s to loud, and there are too many distractions.”

  “Rachel…now I’m confused. You still haven’t explained the coat.”

  Rachel said…

  “Caleb usually catches one of the evening ferries from your barge. He stops at the Samaritan cafe on the dock for a coffee, then he hightails it here, and waits until it’s time for you to go home.”

  Ona’s eyes were fixed, glossed with bewilderment. She still wasn’t following.

  “Ona—I’m going to the dock to share a coffee or two with your brother. I plan to keep him engrossed, in a two hour conversation.”

  Over the past few months, Caleb and Rachel had grown close and frequently they met to share a cup of coffee.

  Ona studied Rachel’s face, because she wasn’t sure that this plan would work. Mainly the part about her and Lucien talking alone in her teeny tiny office.

  She looked at Lucien because until now, she realized that he had not taken part in the conversation.

  Lucien scanned the area, paying close attention to the overcrowded space. He drew in a breath, then he broke his silence…

  “I want to support you—but I’ll do it under your terms. We aren’t here to put any pressure on you.”

  Ona felt the tug of war in her brain and she wanted someone else to make the choice. She needed so many things but she didn’t know how to ask outsiders for help.

  When she felt like she’d been pushed into a corner, Ona looked to Rachel for whatever help she could give. But when she spoke, her advice had not been what she’d hoped to hear.

  “Ona, we’re running out of time. Go to your office. Talk to Mr. Delors. Or you can let him do the talking. Whatever works best for you.”

  Rachel waved her hand over her head, and with her back to them, she said…

  “Make good use of your time. And try to hammer something out in a little less than an hour.”

  With that said; Rachel was out the door, heading in the direction of the dock.

  There was silence, but a wave of emotion bounced from him to her, then back to him. They each were in a repeating line of thought. What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?

  A minute passed, when Lucien broke the repeating chorus.

  “If I remember correctly, you took up office space near the loading dock.”

  Ona nervously smiled, because there was no way out of this and Rachel had been right. If the Conclave couldn’t help, then her only answer was to secure a private donor.

  A few days after the opening, Lucien had been given the grand tour but this was the first time he’d been in Ona’s office. He didn’t see anything special or eye catching. The walls were a cold concrete grey, adorned with charts and schedules instead of pictures. Even her chair was one of those uncomfortable metal all purpose folding chairs.

  Ona pointed towards one of the chairs, urging him to sit and she rounded the desk to sit behind the desk. There was a layer of dust on Lucien’s chair and he sat because he suspected that she hadn’t noticed this. She appeared nervous and he didn’t want to do anything that might add to her uneasiness.

  Lucien said…

  “I read a story in the paper this morning. According to the reporter, news about this project has reached the mayors office. That’s a big deal.”

  She shyly said…

  “I’m not interested in accolades. As a Samaritan, my purpose is to be a helper of mankind.”

  “But…aren’t you proud of your progress? Ona…you were in the hospital for two months, and you organized the guts and foundation for this program from your hospital bed. Your accomplishment was extraordinary.”

  His face displayed his admiration, and in his eyes she could see that he was proud of her. She wasn’t heartless and she understood his reason for complementing her; yet, she didn’t understand why his praised meant more to her than her parents or her brothers.

  Ona spoke low when she said…

  “I had a lot of help and there’s still so much more than needs to be done.”

  “Yes. Rachel explained your dilemma. You need funding for a larger facility.”

  Ona raised her hand when she spoke.

  “I’m sorry but…I feel wrong taking money from you. It isn’t right.”

  “Ona…I insist.”

  “You don’t understand.”

  “No I don’t. So, please explain.”

  Her eyes spread wide, because when she began the search in her brain, her rummaging came up empty. In truth, there was no reason not to accept his aid. In her head, Ona saw the last group of kids that she should have rightfully turned away—and she couldn’t.

  She said…

  “If you do this…it’s for the children you know. And there are proper procedures that will have to be observed.”

  He smiled, then said…

  “Not a problem. And I can count on your help to guide me through the process.”

  Her brow rose in question, then her forehead lowered forming a frown. She said…

  “Uh…oh, yes—I guess I will need to explain the Conclave procedures won’t I.”

  “Yes, you will.” He said, then his brain leapt forward. When he learned the Conclave procedures, he planned to be rock head dumb. Lucien supposed the process may take an entire afternoon if he pretended to have a reading disability; and of course, this meeting would include a meal. Oh, yes; things were shaping up just fine.

  **********

  “How was your coffee with Rachel?”

  Ona was spooning up a bowl of soup for Caleb. The question had been meant for him, but Noah spoke first.

  “Rachel? Isn’t she the young lady that’s volunteering at your program? The nurse, right.”

  Noah pulled out his chair, then sat at the dining table. Her brother was home on one of his scheduled days off, and Geff had joined him. She was thankful that Samaritan customs prohibited non-related males to enter a family home, unless one of the parents were there, acting as chaperone. This rule was enforced if the male had marriage in mind, and within her family, they all knew about Geff’s intentions.

  Ona handed Caleb his bowl, and he avoided eye contact when he said…

  “Coffee was fine.”

  Noah said…

  “You met the nurse for coffee?”

  “Yes…I thought I’d made that clear.”

  Noah asked

  “Was this just a one time thing or have you met her more than that one time?”

  Ona joined them at the table, then she said…

  “According to Rachel, they’ve been meeting once or twice each week .”

  Caleb rolled his eyes, then he shoveled a spoonful of soup in his mouth. He remained quiet on the subject, and he hoped that the topic would drop. With their parents out of the country, it was Noah’s responsibility to handle family issues. Even though they were all adults, and responsible for their own lives, Noah believe it was his duty to continue his inquiry. His arm rested on the edge
of the table with empty spoon in hand.

  Noah said…

  “Are these meetings concerning Ona’s project or are you meeting her for other reasons.”

  Caleb raised his head without lifting his eyes. His face held a strained expression when he said…

  “A little bit of both.”

  “Can you be more specific?”

  “I could but…I’m not sure how to answer you.”

  Ona studied Noah’s face, waiting for him to respond. One brow rose, as if he were engross in heavy thought. When he traded a glance with her, they both knew what Caleb had meant. Caleb wasn’t bound by the Samaritan Creed like they were. If he decided to marry outside of their Sect, he could do so; but his choice would amount to him being excommunicated. He would be band from entering any Samaritan communes, and he couldn’t set foot on the inside of a Samaritan Conclave. In short, he would be banished, and Ona had known this growing up as a kid. They’d all known this, but the topic wasn’t something they ever discussed. The notion was to painful too consider.

  Ona changed the subject.

  “So…would you both agreed that my project is up and running well?”

  Caleb said…

  “You’ve done a wonderful job Ona. Everyday, the building is filled to capacity and the children seem to be enjoying themselves.”

  Noah swallowed his soup, then he said…

  “I’d like to stop by tomorrow if you don’t mind. I heard that you managed to get a few bunnies shipped in from the Virginia Conclave.”

  “Yes. And the children love them.”

  Caleb said…

  “When you see the faces on those kids…I’m sure you’ll be just as proud of her as I am.”

  Ona said…

  “I’m glad you feel that way Caleb…because I’ve been thinking.”

  “Oh no.” Noah joked. “She’s been thinking. Here it comes brother—you’d better prepare yourself.”

  Both brothers laughed, and Ona joined in because she only asked for help when moving furniture was involved. She smirked then she said…

  “Ha, ha. So glad to make you laugh. But seriously…”

  Her eyes landed on Caleb, when she said…

  “I spoke to mom last week—and she said that the rainy season is slowing their progress. The workers in the village are beginning to get discouraged.”

  Noah said…

  “I spoke to them last week as well, and they said that they might have to change the floor-plans of the school. They’re running out of time, and the villagers might have to settle for a smaller school. Much smaller than the ones mom and dad are use to building.”

  Caleb said…

  “That doesn’t sound good. What will the Conclave do when they hear about this?”

  Noah said…

  “Not meeting projected goals could call into question future projects.”

  “In other words” Caleb said… “This doesn’t sound good for our parents.”

  Ona said…

  “That brings me to my point.” She wore a serious expression when she said…

  “I don’t need you here Caleb. My program is up and running fine—everything is in place. But mom and dad…they need your help. Just think how much more they can get done, with another set of experienced hands. You’ve helped them build schools in the past. You know everything there is to know, and it makes perfect since that you join them in the Congo.”

  The siblings traded glances. Last year, Ona and Caleb had worked alongside their parents, but this year she was running her own project. And she was right. She didn’t need him, and he wondered what had prevented him from coming to the same conclusion. Then it hit him; he understood the reason that had kept him from joining his parents. She stood a hairbreadth just below his chin if she was wearing flat shoes. She had a complexion that was a smooth rich shade of coffee with a hefty dose of cream. And her eyes—Caleb had stared into the well of her eyes, even though he’d known that the temptation was to great and his agony grew each time they parted ways. He could admit this to himself, but as for his siblings; he couldn’t divulge this secret to Ona or Noah.

  Noah said…

  “If you leave in a day or two, you could be with our parents in less than five days. Caleb…Ona is right. The beginning of this year had presented us with challenges, but Ona is well, and she’s knee deep in her project. It’s time for you to do the same. If she needs anything, she has our Sect family to depend upon. As long as she lives in this commune, she’s never completely alone.”

  Noah spoke definitively, as if Caleb had no other options to consider. Caleb lowered his eyes, shifting his concentration on his soup. The Zelle’s had been good to him, and their generosity went beyond feeding, clothing and giving him a home. Zachary and Aldeara loved him, as if he’d been born into their family.

  He lay the spoon in the bowl, and even though he felt weighed down by this choice, he found the strength to say…

  “I’ll contact the Conclave in the morning.”

  “Good.” Noah said… “Mom and dad will be so pleased to see you.”

  Caleb nodded thoughtfully, but his concerns weren’t for his parents. He couldn’t leave without talking to Rachel and he wasn’t sure at what point she’d began to matter to him. The rest of the evening, Ona talked about future plans for her project, and Noah told her about the bridge construction. They had their projects to keep them busy, and the time had come for him to busy his hands. He remembered one of the Samaritan Creeds he’d been taught shortly after he’d been adopted. Idle hands are of no help to others, and since the start of the New Year, he’d been idle long enough.

  **********

  Ona waved at the last of the children leaving the building. They were laughing and skipping as if they didn’t have a care in the world. Two of the children had experienced the unpleasantness of witnessing their parent being murdered. On their first day, they had stood off in a corner, hesitantly watching and unsure if they wanted to participate. Oh, what a difference her project had made and most of the children had experienced positive results. She reminded herself that this was the reason she did this. Those smiling faces were her motivation to do whatever had to be done to expand and help as many children as she could. Ona’s heart was galloping at a steady pace and she was on the brink of hysteria. She closed her eyes, then she mentally counted backwards, starting at ten in her head. She could hear the children saying…

  “Goodbye Miss Ona…”

  She didn’t reply and she knew that Sahara and Rachel weren’t far behind them. When she opened her eyes, she watched them wave, then Rachel told the children to go straight home. Ona directed her eyes on the clock and she didn’t notice when the two women had joined her.

  Sahara said…

  “I checked each station and everything appears to be properly stored.”

  Ona absentmindedly nodded then she said…

  “Thank you Sahara.”

  Her voice trembled a bit, and Sahara rightly detected her apprehension. She shared a glance with Rachel, and her gaze was returned with a knowing set of hazel eyes. Rachel’s gaze hinted that it was best to remain quiet.

  Rachel rounded the counter, pretending that an awkward moment had not been averted, when she said…

  “Do you want to share a cab?”

  This was an obvious zinger, because they lived in opposite directions. Sahara wanted to point this out, but Ona responded before she could bring this to their attention.

  Ona appeared distracted when she shook her head, and her voice quivered when she said….

  “No thank you. He’s sending a car.”

  Sahara slanted her head at an angle because she sensed some hanky-panky going on. Earlier, she’d heard talk about Lucien Delors but that’s all it had been; talk—and now she was hearing different. She had an opinion and she wanted to be heard. Sahara flung back one of her dread-locks, when she said…

  “So, you’ve decided… You’re going to take Lucien Delors’ up on his of
fer.”

  Today when Ona arrived at the center, Rachel had joined her while they prepared for the arrival of the kids. As they worked, she welcomed any conversation that didn’t involve her or Lucien Delors. Ona listened and Rachel told her about her afternoon spent with Caleb. Ona’s heart nearly broke because even though she’d known about Caleb and Rachel; she didn’t know the extent of their relationship. Rachel had fought back tears because she didn’t like the idea of Caleb leaving. She’d sensed a growing attraction and their friendship didn’t feel like a platonic relationship. Rachel believed, that given time, due to their shared interest; a romantic connection was just beyond the horizon. Ona didn’t have much to add on that topic and when the conversation stalled, Ona told Rachel that she’d decided to meet Lucien to discuss their space issues. The program had outgrown the warehouse and something had to be done, because everyday, children would arrive, and they didn’t have the space to accommodate them. All day, Ona had toiled over the facts and she had not discussed her problem with either of her brothers before they’d left. She’d agonized over this, because she’d purposely waited until Caleb and Noah had left the city; then she phoned Lucien to arrange a meeting. Ona didn’t need to read the bible to know that her actions had been a form of deception. She’d deceived her brothers and that explained her troubled state.

  When Rachel contemplated the facts, she felt like the middleman because if it had not been for her, Lucien Delors would never have known about Ona’s problem. She was to blame, but her intentions had been admirable. She’d watched, and every time Ona and Lucien shared the same space, an explosion of sorts would erupt, and neither would acknowledge the attraction. She justified her actions based on what she’d witnessed, then she spoke, saying what she believed Ona needed to hear.

  “I can go with you…if you’d like.” Rachel waited, faking a calm demure and she’d not counted on her coworkers response.

  “Or I will.” Sahara chimed in, and her unsolicited remark was a confirmation of Rachel’s suspicions. For months, Rachel had noticed Sahara’s unusual fascination. In point of fact; if Sahara wasn’t talking about music, her conversations would concern Ona Zelle. She’d become obsessed—and not in a normal healthy way. In spite of this knowledge, Rachel had chosen to avoid this uncomfortable topic. In fact…Rachel had purposely ignored the idea that her roommate had a crush on their friend. But, now she knew that avoiding the obvious had been an enormous mistake.