Natasha's Hope

by Heather Greenis

  “I’m not happy in the changes I’m seeing in Alex. Rose was correct.”

  “I agree,” Izabella moaned. “That woman behaves like an immature and obviously spoiled child, rather than the polished young woman she sought to portray herself as.”

  Hope scowled, deep in thought. “It’s as if Elaine sees the orphanage children as an annoyance, a distraction. And my son, Alex jumps at the sound of her voice, always willing to please her, regardless of what he’s doing. The young man we’ve raised is disappearing before my eyes and being replaced by a stranger. We must speak with him.”

  “We can’t, Hope,” Adam warned. “He’s a grown man. We can’t interfere. The more we say against her, the more likely he is to cling to her.”

  “I reviewed the books at Valentines,” Izabella admitted. “When I saw that Mrs. McClaire and her daughter are regular clients, I spoke with the store manager. Apparently, the McClaires show up twice a month, announcing their arrival the moment the door is opened. My staff gives exceptional service, but they demand more perks than the average client.”

  “Ugh. It’s good to know the haughty attitude is not reserved for my son,” Hope remarked. “What is Alex thinking? I pray he ends this relationship in haste.”

  Alex retreated further into his shell, barely speaking in his family’s presence. He had always been quiet in public, but Alex was usually confident and outspoken in the comfort of his home. Hope had many restless night, worrying about him.

  * * *

  They had just sat down for their evening meal.

  “You were writing a psychology exam today, Alex,” Stewart stated. “How—”

  “I had the most exciting day at school,” Elaine interrupted. “It began….” Elaine put small amounts of food into her mouth and continued talking, explaining her day in detail. It was impossible for the family to get a word in. Too polite to interrupt the guest of the house, they listened to her babble about her day and then her father’s business. Her non-stop chatter did not end until the meal was over and Alex excused them from the table. The door closed behind them.

  “How rude.” Izabella picked up her glass of wine. “That woman’s unacceptable behaviour makes my head spin. She is obnoxious. If I were her momma … heaven help her.”

  Alex returned to the orphanage after taking Elaine home and walked into the office.

  “I’d like to invite Elaine to join us for dinner Sunday night. It’s time she meets the Carsons and Nana and Papa Venderkemp.”

  Unable to tolerate Elaine’s constant, overbearing chatter twice in one week, Hope’s mind raced for a reason to decline the request.

  “Your nana and papa are becoming overwhelmed in the company of the expanding family.” It wasn’t a lie. Adam’s momma and poppa mentioned how tired they are after the Sunday get together. “Sundays will be for family only.” A vision of her daughter came to mind. They would miss seeing Isaac, but couldn’t allow Rose’s friend and not Alex’s. “I will speak with your sister and inform her of the change.”

  * * *

  Alex saw the change in Elaine’s behaviour. He didn’t think of her dominance as overpowering, but rather an attribute that he admired. He secretly wished for an ounce of Elaine’s self-confidence. After reading the diary and the journal, and growing up with Rose, he compared Elaine favourably to the females in his family. He looked forward to the day he’d wake to see her lying in bed next to him.

  Rose’s reluctance to be social with Elaine bothered him. His sister was not a rude, unpleasant being. All of his chums adored Rose. They considered her fun, their own baby sister. When the remainder of the family withdrew their affection, he pulled back. Hurt and confused, he couldn’t understand why they didn’t see the woman he saw.

  Thankfully, Nana and Papa Venderkemp greeted Elaine with the warmth and affection he’d grown accustomed to seeing. In true Venderkemp fashion, Elaine was treated like a member of the family. They made him proud to bear the name Venderkemp. He thanked them in prayer every night for opening their hearts. Elaine praised his father’s parents each and every time they left their home.

  Alex dined with Elaine and her parents twice a week. They encouraged the relationship and treated him as part of the family. His bond with Elaine and her parents strengthened as the bond with his own family weakened. Alex and Elaine became inseparable, much to the pleasure of her family, and the discontentment of his.

  The school year came to an end with mixed emotions. It had been difficult seeing Christine after their relationship ended so badly. He could still see the pain in her face when he looked at her. But, a few weeks after that dreadful confrontation in the hallway, a fellow classmate had asked Christine to dine. They began seeing each other. Alex was happy for her, but that didn’t ease his guilty conscience. Still, he enjoyed being at school, a few hours away from his family.

  Each time Alex mentioned Rose’s name, Elaine dismissed a discussion with the wave of her hand. Her voice echoed in his ears with the words annoying and childish. Dismayed, the description did not describe his sister. More than anything, he missed the bond he and Rose once shared.

  It was impossible to find contentment without his sister’s blessing, but that didn’t seem to bother Elaine. She was blunt with her opinions of his family and anything else that crossed her mind, regularly. Other peoples’ opinions or acceptance weren’t a concern to her. ‘You are too compassionate when it comes to your family. Wave it off, Alex. They do not matter.’

  But his family did matter.

  Desperate to earn Rose’s affection, or perhaps to buy Rose’s affection, Elaine had her father purchase four tickets to an upcoming concert. Elaine and Alex were sitting in the parlour when Rose came in with Isaac. Seeing them, Rose stopped abruptly and turned, planning to leave. Elaine stood up and produced the tickets from her handbag.

  “I have concert tickets. We have the best seats in the building. These tickets did not come without expense.” Elaine’s tone dripped with condescension and superiority. “You and Isaac will be my guests.”

  Alex wanted to disappear into the furnishings. Isaac’s family could well afford the tickets themselves. There was no need for Elaine to lord it over his sister and her beau. His own papa would be happy to purchase the tickets as he had done on many occasions over the years.

  Rose snorted and stomped out with Isaac a few steps behind.

  “Your sister is immature and childish,” Elaine fumed. Her voice would surely carry into the dining area, kitchen, and perhaps the lobby.

  “Elaine,” he begged.

  “No. That is completely unacceptable. She should be grateful, falling over herself to thank me.”

  Embarrassed others would hear her, he escorted her out of the building. As they walked toward the barn, he considered speaking to her, but decided to avoid the impending confrontation. Everyone outside would hear them argue. That would be even more dreadful. Throughout his entire life he avoided confrontation like it was a deadly disease. I can’t do it. This isn’t a battle I wish to have with her. I’m confident it will never happen again. He kissed Elaine in farewell and waved as she rode off.

  Alex didn’t sleep well that night. Still tired when he woke, he dressed, ate his breakfast, played with the children and went to the office to do his paperwork. A half hour later, Tom entered the room and closed the door.

  “You have company. Miss McClaire has arrived.”

  Alex turned and looked out the window. Elaine stepped down from her buggy.

  “I wasn’t expecting her to arrive this early. I’m not done,” he muttered. “I promised Poppa this would be completed before I left the office. I procrastinated yesterday.”

  “Yes. Those forms cannot be put off another—”

  The door to the office swung open without a tap or knock. Elaine walked in unannounced. Thank goodness we are not interviewing potential parents.

  “I found you,” she announced. “It is such a beautiful day. I wish to go for a stroll about this magnificent propert
y.”

  Alex’s attention shifted to the stack of paper in front of him and back to Elaine.

  “I need to complete this. It’s imperative—”

  “I don’t care,” she interrupted. “I arrived with the expectation you would accompany me on a stroll.” She looked in Tom’s direction. “Surely your manager is capable of completing” —she looked at all the paper on the desk— “this. Thomas?”

  ‘I don’t care!’ had become a favourite saying for Elaine. She used it every time she was inconvenienced or didn’t get her way. The paperwork in front of him was not Tom’s responsibility.

  “Elaine,” Alex protested quietly.

  “You are far too dedicated a worker, Alexander. When I mention this at home, Poppa is pleased, but I would prefer you were more attentive to me.”

  “If you wish, I will complete the paperwork,” Tom offered. “Enjoy the remainder of the day.”

  Elaine extended her hand imperiously and tapped her foot.

  “Thank you.” Alex followed Elaine out of the office, passing his momma in the lobby.

  “Good afternoon, Mrs. Venderkemp. Alexander has invited me to join him for a stroll.”

  Without giving momma a chance to respond, Elaine tugged his arm, urging him outside. Although Alex struggled a bit with his guilt about leaving Tom to complete his paperwork, it was a beautiful day. He soon forgot his co-worker and enjoyed the time with Elaine.

  * * *

  “Ugh, Alex,” Keeghan moaned. “She’s a spiteful … bitch and she’s walking all over you. Wake up and open your ears. What is it about guys bee-lining to the trophy on their arm?”

  Will leaned over and kissed her cheek.

  * * *

  Hope walked down the steps, able to hear Elaine’s demanding tones. Hope frowned in disapproval when she heard Alex accept Tom’s offer to complete the work he should be doing. She watched Elaine grin contently as she pulled Alex outside. The girl was too smug for Hope’s liking. She entered the office and looked at the paperwork on the desk. Alex had specifically asked her and Adam for this responsibility. She turned her attention to Tom, placing her hands on the desk.

  “You are not to assist Alex with those. Neither Adam nor I will allow Alex to become lax with his responsibilities. The children adore their time with you, and you need fresh air during the day.”

  “Hope, it is imperative these files are kept up-to-date.”

  “Yes. I agree,” she stated, nodding. “Alex will complete his paperwork before retiring for the evening, regardless of how tired he is. Go. There is no need for you to be in here unless clients arrive.”

  Hope walked over to her son’s desk, scribbled a note, and placed it on the top of the file. Alex would know she was not pleased.

  * * *

  Elaine left for the day and Alex went in search of his sister. Rose and a female volunteer were preparing the table for the children’s dinner. Having had plenty of time to think about her interaction with Elaine and to reconsider the offer of the tickets, the timing was perfect. Alex took the stack of plates from the volunteer.

  “Your assistance would be appreciated in a room with the children,” Alex informed the woman.

  Alex waited until the door closed and they were alone.

  “Please reconsider Elaine’s offer,” he begged. Rose reached for a plate and cutlery. “Attend the concert with us.”

  “I will not,” she responded coldly. The response came quickly. She didn’t even glance toward him. “I would prefer to remain in my room on a Saturday evening rather than go anywhere with that woman.”

  The door creaked open. Alex looked to see their papa. Ignoring him, Alex glared at his sister, unable to understand her attitude.

  “Why do you dislike Elaine? Are you intimidated by her?” Alex demanded, frustrated.

  “That is ridiculous,” Rose replied angrily.

  “I don’t understand why you’re being so unreasonable. You do not know her.”

  “That is not true. I had the privilege of meeting her outside the university.”

  “Rose, please forgive her. She feels terrible that you misunderstood her words.”

  “I do not like her,” she yelled angrily. “I will not agree to spend time in her company. I detest the very idea we share the same oxygen.”

  He placed the plates on the table and took her hands in his.

  “Spend an evening with us,” he pleaded. “Once you get to know her, you will be—”

  “Never. I would rather rot in my room. You are blinded by her appearance, Alex. She is beautiful, but that is the only positive attribute she possesses. Close your eyes and listen as she opens her mouth. She is a spoiled, conceited, arrogant—”

  “Rose Alisha,” he growled. “Enough.”

  Rose turned and walked out of the room without saying another word. Watching her leave, he contemplated following her. Instead, he grumbled and finished setting the table.

  * * *

  Hearing his grandchildren, Stewart could count the number of times on one hand they had quarrelled in their youth. He felt for his compassionate grandson, but sided with Rose. Personally, he agreed with her attitude. Both he and Izabella avoided spending time with Miss McClaire whenever possible. A hand touched his shoulder. Turning, he saw Izabella by his side.

  Stewart backed into the lobby and closed the door to the eating room. “Alex and Rose are in there. It is not a friendly conversation.”

  “Elaine?”

  “Yes. They are….”

  The door to the eating area opened. Rose glanced at them, and went outside, avoiding any conversation.

  “I will go to him,” Stewart said.

  “No. He’s hurting. He needs time to think things through. You must remember they are not your children. Not your responsibility. We will speak with Hope and Adam later this evening and let them know of the altercation.”

  The dinner table was quiet that evening. Alex and Rose took their places at the table but avoided speaking with each other. Once the meal was over, Rose left the room.

  “May I be excused?” Alex asked. “I have paperwork to complete.”

  “Yes you do,” Hope responded. “You’re excused.”

  He left the room.

  “Alex and Rose had a heated argument before dinner,” Stewart informed Hope and Adam.

  “We need to speak with them,” Hope replied.

  “No,” Adam argued. “They are grown adults. Allow them to deal with their grievances.”

  “Agh,” Hope sighed. “I pray Alex will become infatuated with another woman, and rebuild his relationship with his sister when school resumes.”

  “That would be heavenly,” Adam responded.

  Chapter Eighteen

  After spending a few hours harvesting vegetables and herbs from their garden, Hope was daydreaming as she picked the beans.

  The sound of horses brought her back to reality. Hope looked toward the road. Potential parents? Her hopes were dashed when she noticed Elaine. Disgusted, she glanced toward her family. Adam, Alex and Rose were picking peas from the vines. Grateful they were wearing wide-brimmed sun-hats and squatting farther into the garden, they were oblivious to the unwelcome company. She and Adam required another two hours of assistance in the garden from their children. Neither Alex nor Rose were particularly fond of harvesting, but both appreciated eating the fresh bounty. Her children had been expected to assist with the duty once they were mature enough to place the majority of the food into the baskets.

  Having spent most of the previous night with a sick child in the infirmary, Adam appeared exhausted. Hope was equally tired knowing Adam was concerned. Hope had suggested a nap shortly after the noon meal, but Adam insisted he would rather take advantage of the beautiful day and help in the garden. This is not a good day for Miss McClaire to visit.

  She pulled her straw hat farther down onto her forehead and continued picking beans, hoping Elaine would see they were busy, turn around, and leave. Alex stood to stretch and caught s
ight of her. He smiled and waved. Seeing their son, Adam looked toward the visitor.

  “Were you expecting her?” Adam asked angrily. “Your assistance was requested for the entire day.”

  “I was not, but now that she’s here, I won’t be rude. I will acknowledge her and speak with her,” Alex responded.

  Elaine stepped down from her buggy and came toward him.

  “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Venderkemp. Rose,” Elaine said in her strident voice.

  Adam scowled. Equally upset at the woman’s untimely arrival, Hope expected Adam to inform Elaine it was a bad day for a visit, and that Alex could not entertain her.

  “You’re excused,” Adam grumbled to his son.

  Alex dropped his gloves in the garden and ran to greet Elaine. Hope could feel her daughter’s furious stare.

  “You’re excused,” she informed their daughter in frustration. “Your poppa and I will finish.”

  With both their children out of sight, Hope turned and glared at Adam.

  “Wha-at?” He scowled. “Would you prefer to have Elaine watch us work? You know damn well she wouldn’t offer to assist us. She has no intention of getting her hands dirty, or any other part of her anatomy.”

  “You should have told her it was a family work day,” she snapped.

  “I do not recall hearing you speak up when Alex wanted to run off with her. You are quite capable of expressing your wishes.”

  Exasperated, it was Adam’s role as head of the household to control the situation. Certain she would regret another spoken word, she threw her gloves on the ground and strode toward the house, leaving Adam alone in the large garden.