Five Hearts: A Tale Of Faith, Love, & Destiny~

by C D Swanson

“Okay, all set Michael. Where are we going?”

  “To Francesco’s you love it. And, we can go straight to the hospital from there. It is pretty close. I am thinking that Sarah can use our support in there about now.”

  “I agree.”

  They rode to the restaurant in silence with soft music playing. Mozart one her favorite composers, and it always calmed her down. She wondered what Sarah was doing at this moment. For some reason she thought of Luke and got a chill down her spine. That creepy guy, there was something about him that always made her a little uncomfortable. She was so glad Sarah gave him the boot. She shuddered again.

  “Are you cold Ruth? Turn up the heat.”

  “No, just thinking about Luke and how happy I am that Sarah dumped him,” her voice was low, and tiny.

  “He seemed okay—I didn’t have any problems with him. But you have a good sixth sense. So, who knows, you’re probably right. You usually are on target with these issues,” he said, as he shrugged his shoulders.

  “He came on to me a couple of times.”

  “What?” He looked at her and felt his jealousy rise to attention, his mouth open in indignation.

  “Yes, I never told you because I didn’t want to make a big deal of it,” she offered.

  “What did he do?”

  “Oh, he made comments about my big thighs and reached out to touch me a couple of times.”

  “That SOB—if I ever see him…”his voice trailed off and cracked with anger.

  “No, it’s nothing. It isn’t worth it. Besides, he’s the type that would sue you. We are all rid of him. I just wish he would move out of our city, we’ve enough sewer rats around here.”

  They both smiled at her comment although he was silently fuming. He decided there were too many important things in his life right now to make that scum bucket put a damper on his evening.

  They pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant and he leaned forward to kiss Ruth.

  “Happy Birthday, to my beautiful funny girl.”

  “Thank you.”

  Luke sat down in his luxury apartment on Madison Avenue. He really didn’t want to be this way, but he couldn’t control himself. He missed Sarah. He wanted to see her, and hold her in his arms again. But, he knew that wouldn’t happen again.

  He thought about getting help…but every time he picked the phone up to make an appointment, he placed it down. It was not as pleasurable as it was before. Now it became like an obsession, and a crazed need.

  He threw his bag of tricks down on the bed. It wasn’t working as well as it had originally. He was truly in need of help.

  His parents never cared about him. They never did. If they did this wouldn’t have happened. What difference does it make to have money, if you don’t have love?

  He looked at his mother’s beautiful face smiling with his father. They looked like a loving and caring couple, but they were frauds. Both of them! He never mattered to either parent. Nothing mattered to them.

  They didn’t make any concerted efforts to reach out to him. Not now, not ever. They were too busy with their high social profile and their jetsetters lifestyle. Why would they want me around to cramp their style?

  He threw their picture into the roaring fire place, and watched it slowly burn up. The last part of the picture consumed by the flames was his mother’s smile. He watched it slowly burn up until it was a pile of ashes. Just like his life, a pile of ashes. Who would have thought his life would turn out to be pathetic and void of love. He sat down and started to cry. He curled up on the floor sobbing. He never felt as alone as he did at this very moment. He was never loved or wanted by anyone. No one!

  He thought of Sarah as he wailed uncontrollably. He didn’t know how long he was writhing in pain, and emotional pain on the floor. It must have been hours. He finally fell asleep in front of the fire. All raging thoughts put to rest as he slipped into dreams. He rested comfortably. In his dreams he saw his mother taking care of him as a little boy, and his father saying how proud he was of him. They told him they loved him. And, he was sitting smiling between both of them. He was content and slept in peace, for now…

  Chapter Eighteen

  Kelly Novak went home to her little Schnauzers. They were so happy to see her.

  “Hello Sugar and Spice. Mommy missed you both. So sorry I was away for so long. Come on let’s go outside.”

  She took them out on the terrace of her penthouse. She couldn’t stop thinking about Sarah and Candy. She saw the pain that Sarah was in. She recalled in great detail, she knew that pain so well.

  She thought of her little precious baby boy. She carried him and felt him moving, and sang to him every night. She loved to sing All I ask of you from Phantom of the Opera. She loved that song. Whenever she sang it for him…he used to jump, always reacting to that song. And ostensibly, whenever he was pressing on her diaphragm making it difficult to breathe, she’d sing that song. Within seconds, he’d move off her diaphragm and settle down. To this day she smiles whenever she hears that song.

  Sarah and Jacob and Candy have become like family to her. They were the closest thing to family that she’s ever known. She loved them all so much. She couldn’t bear the thought of that poor child…she pushed the images from her mind. It was intolerable to think about.

  She sobbed for them, and for her little baby boy from so long ago. Life can hurt sometimes. But, she never let it get her down. Because, there was always a balance, eventually there will be infinite joy that will override this entire scenario. She knew it would all turn out well. It had to. Her cell phone rang The Phantom of the Opera startling Kelly in the process. “Hello?”

  “Miss Novak. Is it true you’re fronting the Homeless shelter project anonymously?” a reporter’s voice asked quickly.

  “I am not. I have nothing further to say at this time. Goodnight.” She respected the men and women of the press, but they were so intrusive. She hugged her babies. Sugar and Spice sat on her lap, content and happy while vying for her attention. Petting them, she thought about how different life would’ve been had her son lived, and she’d married the love of her life. She often thought about Isaac, and if he was happy, or if he ever thought about her at all. He was such a kind and gentle young man. She thought about trying to find him, a number of times through the years, but, if he was married, she didn’t want to bother him. And, if he wanted to find her…she was certainly in the limelight enough that he could find her easily. So apparently he didn’t want to locate her. She thought it was best to leave things as they were. But her heart never stopped loving him. He was so special. She just hoped he was happy.

  Across town sitting in a little run down diner a man was sitting reading the newspaper. He stared at Kelly Novak’s picture, remembering how young she was when she had her little baby boy.

  He remembered the entire events, as if it were yesterday. He couldn’t believe it was 34 years ago! Her mother got what she deserved. She was a drunkard, and a greedy heartless witch. Fate bit her on the backside, he was happy to hear of her demise.

  He was running out of money. He smiled as he looked at the perfectly exquisite face of this socialite. He suddenly got a big appetite and ordered the hungry man’s dinner. He’d have to handle this really well. We’ll see how this all works out. He if was smart, and careful he could be really rich one again.

  He took a sip of his vodka on the rocks and traced her face with his finger tip. Oh, yes—this was going to a worthy attempt to get some money. Yes it was going to be all okay. He laughed into the face of Kelly Novak.

  7

  Chapter Nineteen

  Isaac sat at the head of an elongated mahogany conference table. He had an easy style and way about him. His employees respected him and held their boss in the highest regard. He was on their level at all times, and never demeaning, or condescending to any of his employees. He looked like he just completed a shoot for the cover of GQ’s magazine. His deep blue double breasted Armani suit was custom made. His Armani ligh
t blue shirt and Kenneth Cole yellow tie pulled the look together in a dynamic way. It was a statement but a subtle and classy one.

  “Good afternoon everyone,” he said in a very pleasant easy going voice.

  “Good Afternoon Mr. Diamond.

  “I’m glad you’re all here. This’ll be a quick meeting, I promise.” He smiled with his hands held up to emphasize his point.

  The employees laughed recalling the last meeting that was five hours and ten minutes. A new record!

  “I just want to congratulate all of you for doing a phenomenal job. You’re outstanding, each and every one of you,” his voice filled with conviction. He paused taking time to gaze at their faces before continuing, “Your team works consistently in a cohesive fashion, ultimately creating successful outcomes, over and over again. I’m so thankful for your dedication. As you are aware, the Clio Award is bestowed to reward innovation, and creative excellence in advertising design and communications. Well it gives me great honor, and fills my heart like a proud papa, to tell you that we’ve been nominated for a Clio Award.”

  The entire conference room jumped up from their seats with roars of celebratory cheers. They could hardly believe what they had heard and were so thrilled their hard work paid off. Finally!

  “Okay well that’s all. See? I promised you this meeting would be short lived” his voice gently reminding them of his promise. “However, across the hall is a big buffet in your honor, please enjoy. And, thank you all so much. This could not have been possible if not for your Herculean efforts and hard work. God Bless each and every one of you.”

  Isaac Diamond walked away smiling to himself. He was so happy. He always managed to clearly defy the odds. His life was nothing short of a miracle.

  After Kelly left he never was the same. But, he realized she had to go off on her own. She was so traumatized, and she needed a fresh start, he didn’t begrudge her that opportunity…after all she was so young, barely a woman. He moved not too long after Kelly exited their town to go to college. There wasn’t one single day that he didn’t think of her. He remembered every line and curve of her sensational face. He had seen her remarkable work throughout the years unfold before his eyes. It seemed every time he turned around she was on television for another act of kindness through her generosity, and her huge heart filled with love. He often wondered what their son would have been like had he lived.

  “Isaac?” a feminine voice interrupted his private and cherished reverie.

  He turned to see his “friend” Marsha standing there with a glass of sparkling cider with a Cheshire grin on her face.

  “Hello Marsha. When did you arrive?”

  “Oh, just now, but you had that faraway look in your eyes that I’ve seen so many times before… I didn’t want to disturb you.” She often wondered who he was thinking about so pensively. She never wanted to intrude for fear he might think of her as an interloper into his private thoughts. He would share it when he was ready, until now she was perfectly happy with their relationship as it was. But, she’d love to turn it up a notch, in the heat and romance department. However, her inner instincts were screaming very loudly for her to, wait…it was probably some woman, who did a number on him. She’d wait. She was a very patient woman.

  “Shall we go in and join the employees?” He motioned for the door as she possessively grabbed his arm.

  “Yes of course. Congratulations Isaac Darling. How marvelous for your Company, and for you too,” she said in her British accent.

  “It’s because of my employees,” his voice humble and honest.

  “Well, and it’s because of the master behind the curtains Mr. Oz. That would be you!”

  “Well, thank you Marsha you’re too kind.”

  She took his arm and they walked into the banquet hall to the cheers of the employees.

  “For he’s a jolly good fellow, for he’s a jolly good fellow, for he’s a jolly good fellow that nobody can deny,” their voices filled with gratitude.

  He smiled and seemed embarrassed by the attention. But that was Isaac’s way very unassuming, very kind, very gentle. He wondered what Kelly was doing at this very moment. He just hoped she was happy…Oh how he hoped she was happy, she deserved that and so much more.

  Chapter Twenty

  Luke’s parents secret came out during his tenth birthday party. They were celebrating in grand style at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, and he heard his mother speaking to his father. They didn’t know he was listening. But he heard every sordid detail.

  “Eldon I sometimes wonder if we made the right decision in getting rid of that child.”

  “Sasha stop bringing it up. That was ten years ago it’s as they say, ancient history. Let it go.”

  “I know, but I do feel a little sorry for that child. It wasn’t his fault that I suddenly got pregnant after the doctors told me I was barren,” her voice filled with sorrow.

  “Look we brought him to a couple that said they would care for him. We did the right thing. If anything, we are the ones who lost out on the deal. Now, Sasha no lamenting over such trifle issues, we’ve a good full life now…and we’ve our own child. Well, even if he’s a waste,” his tone was derisive as he rolled his eyes upward.

  Sasha laughed and hit his arm, “He’s adorable. He’s just spoiled because we’re never here with him. You know that. Now stop it. It’s not the poor child’s fault.”

  Luke stood frozen not fully comprehending the significance of what he had just heard. His parents had another child and got rid of the child? What the heck were they speaking about?

  “Luke? Are you just about ready to go? his father’s voice called out.

  He couldn’t understand what was meant by what they just said. And, his father calling him a waste…it hurt so much. He was in pain. He needed his hobo clown doll. He ran away that day. His parents didn’t find him until the next day.

  Thirty Four Years Ago in a Hospital Ward

  “Eldon did the mother sign the papers?”

  “Sasha it’s all arranged, please try not to fret any further.”

  “Okay, so I have the baby in the outer room ready to go. I signed the papers and now I want the money. You got the money or what?” Kelly’s mother stood there smoking a cigarette, and didn’t have one tenth of guilt, or remorse for what she was about to do. She wanted the money and didn’t want that bastard child anyhow. So when she saw the advertisement in the underground paper, she called it immediately. When she knew it was legit she jumped with joy. Finally her no good for nothing daughter was going to make her a millionaire! After all the years taking care of her, and listening to her whine…she was going to be paid off in full. This was a perfect plan, she was happy that she got pregnant after all! Kelly finally did something right without knowing it. She smiled and laughed like a true villain. “Okay, so where’s my check?” She held her hand out in anticipation not wanting to wait a moment longer.

  “Here you are. One million dollars as agreed upon. But first the papers, and death certificate please.” The man was firm and waited before releasing the check into her waiting hands.

  “Oh yeah—here you go. That shows that this bas—um, I mean that the baby died. So you won’t have to worry about nothing,” she said while pointing to the papers almost salivating.

  “Are you sure about this before we take him or look at him?” the woman Sasha asked in true concern.

  “Yes, go and take him. I’m leaving anyway. Bye. Have a good life I know I will, “she said before ending with a shrill laugh.

  She walked out of the hospital and never looked back. She boarded a plane to Hawaii thinking she would live the rest of her life in luxury. But, fate had different plans for her black heart… as it did for the innocent baby, and its parents Kelly and Isaac.

  The Schaws walked out with the newborn boy. They took him home and thought he was going to be with them for life. But again, life had different plans for this baby boy not too long after taking him home. Shocking news came to the Sch
aws, “Eldon I’m going to have a child!” Sasha’s voice exploded with delight.

  “What are you talking about Sasha? We already have the little baby…”

  “No, you don’t understand, I’m pregnant!”

  He stopped and stared in shock. This was too incomprehensible even for his high IQ brain. They were told over and over that they could never have children. How is this possible? After a huge pay out for this child…was this some kind of cruel twisted joke that fate dealt to them?

  She ran over to her husband and kissed him and smiled into his face. “Aren’t you going to say anything Eldon Honey?”

  “I’m speechless. I’m overjoyed. But I don’t want that baby if we’re having our own. We need to drop him off somewhere.”

  “Oh Eldon how can we do that? This is an innocent infant. Besides we bought him, and he’s ours, paid in full as awful as that sounds,’ she said in warm tones of pity.

  “Listen sweetheart, we don’t need him anymore. I know a couple who’s childless and they may want him. I‘ll give them a stipend to take him. Don’t worry about it.”

  “Eldon! How can we do this?” she objected loudly.

  “Sasha let me handle this before you get too emotionally involved with this baby. We just brought him home and you’re already attached to him. Let me take this infant to these people right now,” his voice adamant and strong. He went and stood in front of the baby’s room, wanting to leave before his wife became too hysterical over this unpleasant situation. He needed to deal with it immediately.

  She was crying but knew that she couldn’t change her husband’s mind once he got something in it.

  “Don’t go into the room we prepared for him, just go into our bedroom and I’ll take care of this. I love you Sasha it’s the best thing. I never really wanted someone else’s blood in our family crest. So this is a good thing. Let me take him away. I’ll see you later, go rest,” his voice low and demanding at once.