by JB Penrose
Mags smiled and smoothed the front of her silk blouse. “I knew you had by the twinkle in your eye! James, I love you. Via con Dios!”
The door behind him opened. “President-elect Cauthron is waiting for you, sir.”
“Yes, I’m coming.” He leaned forward to the screen and puckered his lips with a kiss. “Love you dear. I’ll call you soon.”
The screen went blue and Mags felt his absence like a vacuum, even after all these years.
“Mother! Mother!”
“I can’t believe you’re here!”
Simon and Thaddeus, Teddy as he was called, ran up the steps like youngsters; at least, that’s how she remembered them. Both were now nearing retirement – in their age more so than their minds and energies. The hug in their greetings were strong, and even Mags teared up to see two more of her graduated students. Family ties are definitely the strongest.
“It’s so good to see you both,” she told them. “I have held you close to my heart.”
“When Lucas told us that you and Poppa didn’t launch on the Aurora we couldn’t wait to get here!”
Teddy kept his arm draped over Mags’ shoulders and Simon squeezed her hands, constantly in his excitement. She was comfortably at peace in their embrace, even after decades of separation.
Although Simon and Teddy were not brothers, they bonded like family growing up at the desert school together. In appearance, they were nothing alike, and even their mannerisms seemed opposite; Simon consummately dressed and quietly reserved compared to Teddy’s exuberant expression and casual appearance. What they shared was a deep reverence for family and a keen sense of duty. At any given moment, one would know what the other was thinking.
A few students knew of the Orygin’s existence and the crew’s place in history. It was a secret impossible to keep from everyone, and inevitably there was a time when one of the crew, most notably John or Andrew, who would be identified and linked to the school. Mags always found it better to include them in the secret than to lie about the truth.
Simon and Teddy were instrumental in setting up the Dayln School for Children in the capital’s area. Although she received regular reports on the student functions, grade average, school size and activities, tomorrow would be her first time to visit in person. Today, they were helping her move into the Gemini Estate.
“It’s so wonderful to have you close by,” Simon took a box from her hands. “Tell me where you want this to go.”
“I’ll take care of the kitchen,” Teddy promised.
“And you’ll take care of lunch, too, won’t you?” Simon teased in a serious manner, but laughed as Mags planted a big kiss on both their cheeks.
“What would I ever do without you two?” she asked. “I have really missed you!”
“We were so pleased to have met Rachel with Peter at the Christmas party,” Simon said. “How are they doing?”
For a moment Mags had forgotten the trouble her daughter might have; and Peter – looking. With James in Europe and the DayStar investigation with Lucas and Michael, she had kept herself busy enough not to worry. “We should probably sit down for that conversation,” she told them.
“Let me grab my coat and a last look in the mirror to be sure I’m presentable,” she said.
“Mother, your heart shows long before anyone sees your face,” Simon told her, “and it is always beautiful.”
“Alright then,” she laughed. “I’ll just get my coat.”
Of course, she did take a moment to stare in the mirror. The reflection had been the same for thousands of years, but every time she saw herself, she felt a tinge of surprise at her appearance. Most of the time she forgot to wonder about her long life; it had just become what it was – a long life. Some days there was a bit of trepidation, as today, when she felt like she needed to look a certain way or project a certain image. With a sigh, she tucked a loose strand of her dark hair behind her ear and met Simon and Teddy at the door.
“I’m ready if you are,” she announced.
The school’s director, Neely Cabelles was hired about three years earlier. Simon lobbied hard for his installment – most school directors were graduate students of the Dayln schools, to continue the family orientation of each graduating class.
“Neely fits every requirement with the exception of not being a past graduate,” Simon pointed out. “And yet, having been orphaned during the Nature’s War of 2021, he most certainly understands the family importance and will convey that to the students. In my heart, I believe the school is exactly what he needs, and exactly what the students need as well.”
Mags was inclined to follow Simon’s heart and acquiesced. Today, she would test her decision.
“I wish you could see this at night,” Teddy said as they entered the school grounds. “Andrew did an excellent job with the Christmas lights this year.”
“Oh, yes. Rachel told me all about it.”
The children had assembled under the portico and as soon as the car stopped in front of them, they burst into song. Simon helped her from the car; she knew her smile was beaming with love. There was a tender spot in her heart for children who had lost their birth parents – for any reason. Mags felt it as her service to give them a reason to pour forth the love she knew every child was want to give.
As she stood to listen and enjoy the song, Simon and Teddy greeted Neely. When they guided him to her side he gave a nod to a few of the children who had waited patiently for his queue after the music concluded. They approached with a serious expression and bowed ever so slightly before presenting her with a bouquet of roses.
“They are lovely,” Mags said. “Thank you. All of you!”
“They’re from our greenhouse,” the young girl informed her smartly. “We grew them.”
“Even more wonderful.” Mags knelt to gently hug the welcoming committee. Tentative at first, Mags leaned in to hug the boys; often, she knew a child without a parent was reluctant to share expressions such as a hug or kiss. With something of a surprise, the youngest boy threw his arms around her neck for a strong hug, almost knocking her off her feet. Her laughter was an apparent invitation and within seconds, all the children crowded around her with a welcome hug or greeting.
“I see you still have the charm,” Teddy said quietly as he helped her to her feet. “Children, myself included, have never been able to resist you.”
“Silly boy,” Mags told him. “It’s me that has never been able to resist you children.”
“I thought you might like a moment to store your coats, and I could use this time to answer any questions you might have.” Neely steered them toward his office.
She studied the papers on the walls as they walked to Neely’s office. The pictures, whether written or drawn, or cut from publications – pasted the walls like graffiti, but the expressions were grouped by subject, family, fun, or spiritual.
“Thank you, Neely. I don’t have any questions at the moment; I’m just glad to be here.”
“The teachers are as excited as the students to have you tour our school,” Neely said as they entered his office. “Your school,” he apologized. “I understand most of the teachers are graduates from this location, or one of your academy’s elsewhere and everyone is anxious to meet you.”
Mags took a moment to look around. Just as the hallways had displays of art, posters of achievement, and pictures of students past and present, his office was much the same. Hanging over his desk was a large portrait of Mag’Dalyn. Subconsciously she tucked that loose strand of hair behind her ear, again, and looked away.
Neely took his opening boldly. “I didn’t realize the portrait of our founding Mother had been so recently taken,” he observed. “From the canvass, I thought it to be much older.” He reached up and gently caressed the framing. “Interesting effect.”
Simon stepped forward and directed Mags to a chair in front of Neely’s desk. Teddy noisily prepared some tea for each of them.
“Mother,” he presented her the firs
t cup. “I think I remember just how you like it.”
“You could remember every request for a dinner table of twelve from drinks to deserts,” she laughed. “Tea is easy!” She sipped her cup and smiled. “This is a new flavor,” she noted. “I sense it’s something else you grow in the greenhouse?”
“Your senses are very accurate,” Neely nodded with pride. “I suppose we’ll have to stop at the greenhouse first.”
“Yes, but I’d like to get to know you a bit, if you don’t mind,” Mags continued. “Simon, and Teddy, have told me some details of your life circumstances, but I’m interested to know how you like it here – from your point of view,” she added.
It took a moment for Neely to answer, but in that moment, Mags saw his eyes swell with emotion. He looked around the room, he looked out the window, and then he looked right at Mags.
“Mother, I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity. These children – well,” he said, “I love them like my own family. I am proud when they do well; I feel responsible when they try, and fail. There is not one among them that is not first in my heart.”
No one spoke for a long moment. Simon and Teddy nodded to him with a smile while Mags studied him closely; his expression was open and honest. He was content to linger in the silence, which usually meant the words spoken had been the truth. Mags set her teacup on the desk.
“Thank you, Neely.” When she stood, everyone stood. “I know the feeling that each child would be first. I never understood how it could happen, but in God’s heart, there can only be first. How could God have a second-favorite?”
“Exactly,” Neely said with excitement. “So therefore, how could I have a second-favorite? Not that I think I’m God,” he laughed. He came around his desk to stand beside her and took both her hands in his. “This job has fulfilled my life,” he pledged. “Nothing could replace the accomplishment I feel in working with these children.”
“Well, that’s the mark of a good administrator,” Mags smiled and pat his shoulder. “I look forward to working with you more closely.”
“Does that mean your going to be in town for a while?” Neely asked. “The children will be happy to hear it.”
Simon and Teddy were also rocking on their heels at the news. Mags smiled. “The children hardly know me,” she said modestly.
“On the contrary,” Neely pointed out. “When there is any discussion of a parent, the children have always been encouraged to envision you as their Mother. It’s not hard for an orphan to love a mother from a distance,” he added.
The statement was not meant to tug on her heartstrings as it did, but she reflected for a moment of Rachel – loving her daughter from afar. It’s exactly what Mags had been doing all her life. Thankfully, sometimes that distance gets closer.
“I look forward to being here more often,” she admitted. “And if you’ll show me around some today, I’ll feel at home the next time I’m here.”
It was not the first visit she had made to the school, but it was the only visit this group of students would have known about, and because Simon and Teddy had always kept her informed, there were certain students and subjects to which she could relate; something that surprised Neely as well.
“First place in the state’s science fair is no small accomplishment,” she said to Troy, one of the intermediate students. “If you do well through school, I could probably get you a job at PROBE-Tech.”
“PROBE-Tech? Really?” He beamed with accomplishment. “I would love to work on their space ships!”
“They have more than space ships at PROBE-Tech,” one of the girls said. “I want to be ambassador for science to the world,” she reported.
Mags smiled and patted her cheek. “I could probably arrange that, too,” she said. “Just make sure you do your best in language, history, AND science – so you know what they’re talking about.”
“Ciertamente Madre. Voy a estudiar muy duro!”
Mags understood: Certainly, Mother. I will study very hard!
“Emily – you’re such a showoff!” Troy told her.
“Me? You’re the one who won the science fair!”
“Alright – I’m proud of both of you. And I’ll be prouder if you help the younger children follow in your footsteps.” Neely pat them both on the back. “Troy often tutors students in science and math, as does Emily for languages.” He turned them away and directed them down the hallway. “Mother has other children to meet and a few more places to see while she’s here.”
“I’ll check on you both the next time I come,” Mags promised.
“Thank you, Mother.”
“Danka Mutter.”
“Show off.”
“Am not!”
Mags smiled watching them skip down the hallway out of hearing distance and sight. Children will be children, she thought fondly.
“Now is a good time to see the greenhouse. It’s the brightest time of the afternoon and the children have a presentation ready for you.” Neely waved to a youngster peering around a corner who was obviously the lookout for Mother’s arrival. He dashed away but his shouting could be heard around the halls.
“She’s coming! Get ready, she’s coming!”
Immediately upon entering, the tallest student donned her with leis. The ukulele strummed a chord for tuning and the children circled her, beginning to sing and dance to Aloha Oe.
Maopopo kuʻu ʻike i ka nani
I have seen and watched your loveliness
Nā pua rose o Maunawili
The sweet rose of Maunawili
I laila hiaʻia nā manu
And 'tis there the birds of love dwell
Mikiʻala i ka nani o ka liko
And sip the honey from your lips
She hummed along with them until one of the girls tried to bring her into the hula.
“No, no, really.” Mags laughed and backed towards the adults in the room. “It’s been a long time since I was that young!” She encouraged the students to finish their performance.
The ceremony continued when they sat for the meal. Fruits and vegetables had been skewered for fondue or grilling. The older students wore aprons and toque blanche – the tall white hat of chefs in restaurants. The youngest children made sure the tables were set with dishes, napkins, and cutlery, then seated their guests and teachers with great fanfare.
The intermediate students served each course as soon as it was prepared, dressed in their grass skirts and Hawaiian shirts. Mags was glad for the nametags they wore and she searched her memory for any tidbit of information she recalled of them. Emily of course, introduced each course with the Hawaiian name.
“Enjoy your Kalua Pua’a. Here’s some taro rolls, too.”
“Showoff,” Troy whispered as he passed her.
“Am not,” she retorted smartly.
“You’d never know those two are close as brother and sister,” Neely pointed out.
“Actually,” Mags laughed. “It shows strongly!”
After lunch, Mags gathered the children. They sat on the floor, comfortably close to each other and adoring of their Mother’s attention. Teddy brought a stool for her to sit upon and she clasped her hands in her lap. Mags took a deep breath.
“Thank you for today,” she began. “I enjoyed every moment, every bite, and every song.” She looked upon the youngsters with great love, and felt their love flowing in return.
“I’m sorry that I haven’t been here to meet you before today,” she continued. “And I’m glad that now I know each of you. I will be here as often as possible, but Mr. Cabelles will always know how to reach me if any of you need anything.
“I knew both of my parents,” she told them softly, “but they died when I was young. I understand how hard it is to not have a mother or father to talk to. When I felt like that, I relied on my dreams to keep me company. And, the only thing that dreams need are dreamers! Dreamers are special people; they change the world; they get things done.”
Mags smiled at the group. “I
know you are all dreamers, and whatever is your dream, just know I want you to be happy.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
“Thank you, my children.” Mags stood and clapped her hands. “And now it’s time to get back to class. Dreamers also have to pass their tests!”
The teachers began separating the children into groups to lead them back to class. Mags stood aside until the hall was finally empty, waving to each as they looked over their shoulder to say goodbye.
Slowly, and arm-in-arm with Teddy and Simon, they followed Neely to his office. He handed two coats to Simon and Teddy and helped Mags with hers.
“Thank you, Neely,” she said. “You have created a wonderful feeling here. I believe the children are happy.”
“My thanks to you, Mother, and to God, for this opportunity to extend my heart in service.” He fell into step beside her as they walked to the car. “This is my dream-come-true.”
“I know the feeling my son; I know the feeling.”
* * *
“Don’t you two ever sleep?” Scott put his papers in the satchel, his glasses in his breast pocket and prepared to retire for the evening. “I’ll be up early for breakfast and I don’t want to find you two still sitting here!”
Dera had stayed up with James until he had a full understanding of the events and personnel involved with the Conference planning. She coached him on the names and countries represented, as well as the particular pressures or nuances of each leader. Her insight was valuable and James understood why Scott leaned on her intuition heavily.
Looking around the table this morning, he read the question in everyone’s eyes, Will PROBE-Tech move forward with this release of technology? For James, it was never a question of if, but only a question of when. He could see the world was ready.
The conference tables were set with digital translators that also recorded every word spoken. James had no need of translation, and he noticed Scott only followed the translator for two or three dialects that were specifically regional. James was increasingly impressed with the President-elect’s ability to interact with world leaders in planning the rescheduled OneWorld Conference.
