by Louise, Kara
She turned her attention back to the scenery as they drove through Guatemala City. Looking out the window on Will’s side, she noticed that the volcano was now in sight and a steady stream of smoke trailed out. Each time she had seen this sight, it didn’t cease to impress her. How often, she thought, does a person get to see an active volcano? But it obviously meant nothing to Will as he seemed solely intent on dealing with his business, oblivious to the scenery passing by, and certainly not inclined to carry on any sort of conversation with her.
The drive to Antigua passed quickly for Elyssa as Manuel provided a more entertaining distraction from the front seat than listening to Will’s end of the phone conversation in the back seat.
Sensing Elyssa’s frustration with her back seat partner, Manuel began giving her a brief history of Antigua, which at one point had been the seat of Spanish colonial government. Several major earthquakes destroyed the city in 1773.
By the time they reached Antigua, Will had completed several phone calls. Elyssa noticed the tightening of his jaw as he turned away from her and stared out the window. If Elyssa had learned how to read men at all, she knew his body language was telling her he was not happy with something.
She cared little about the demeanor of the man next to her, as the cobblestone roads, old buildings and ruins, and the Agua volcano outside the window captured her attention. The main street was lined with little shops that were most inviting. She was determined to embrace this charming town and try to forget her pain and grief for a short time! He could stay behind in the car for all she cared, with his scowl, his thoughts, and his blasted cell phone.
No, she mused as an afterthought. It was most likely a satellite phone as he seemed to have constant accessibility wherever they were. She groaned inwardly as she considered that with that phone there would be very few places he could go where he wouldn’t be able to easily connect with the office and his Pemberleo Coffee world.
Manuel found a parking space on the street and adeptly pulled into it. He turned off the motor, removed the key, and turned back towards them. “If you walk up this street, you’ll find the best shops. Up at the end you’ll find the restored palace, although it is not as grand as the original. Down the side street in that direction you will find the ruins of Las Capuchinas, a convent. If you walk through any ruins at all, these are the ones to see.”
“Thank you, Manuel.” Elyssa looked over at Will who had unbuckled his seat belt and without saying a word opened the door and stepped out. Before Manuel had even had the chance, Will walked around and opened Elyssa’s door.
“You didn’t have to do that,” she said a little more defensively than she liked.
“I know,” was all he said.
Elyssa raised one of her fine brows in surprise. He certainly doesn’t want to tag along with me again, does he? she wondered to herself. She looked back at Manuel and gave him a questioning look which was answered by a bemused smile and a raised eyebrow of his own.
Elyssa began walking toward the rows of shops with Will walking alongside. Neither had spoken a word since getting out of the car. She felt weighed down by his presence and could not make herself understand why he was so intent on remaining at her side.
They came to a jewelry store and both stopped simultaneously to look in the window. The display of jade items was beautiful.
“Shall we go in?” Will asked.
“Yes,” Elyssa answered. “I would like that.”
They walked in and were greeted in by an American clerk behind the counter. “May I help you?”
“You’re an American!” Elyssa was surprised.
“Yes! I’m here for a year living with a family and learning to speak the language. This job gives me practice, but I do so enjoy helping an English speaking person. Can I show you something?”
“I would like to look around a little first,” Elyssa answered.
Elyssa walked away from Will and was amused to hear the young girl gush over him. “I would be more than happy to help you find something.”
“I think I would like to browse, too, thank you.”
That didn’t seem to stop the young girl from coming out from behind the counter and standing closely at his side. Elyssa chuckled as she saw her look at him most admiringly. Elyssa turned her attention to the display in front of her, but easily overheard the conversation.
“Are you interested in buying something for your wife over there?”
“Uh, no. She is not my wife.”
“Oh, I see. A gift for your girlfriend then?”
“No, she’s… no, thank you.”
Elyssa thought he sounded somewhat abrupt and soon the young girl returned to her place behind the counter. The salesgirl didn’t cease gazing at him, giving him a hopeful smile each time he looked in her direction.
Elyssa shook her head at the poor girl’s instant infatuation. Her gaze drifted over to Will, and she had to admit he was truly a handsome man. He was tall and had a lean, sturdy build. His dark curly hair framed his face and complimented his dark eyes. When she thought about it, the young girl had every reason to be infatuated with him. At least with his outward appearance.
If you only knew what he was really like! she thought to herself. She turned back to look at the jade and grit her teeth tightly together. He may be handsome, she thought, but he has to be the most inconsiderate and arrogant man I have ever met!
Elyssa turned her attention back to the display of jade and finally saw a pair of oval drop earrings that she liked and that were reasonably priced. She noticed that Will was also making a purchase on the other side of the store.
When she had paid for her earrings and joined him, she inquired about his purchase. “You didn’t buy that jade letter opener I saw, did you? I was tempted, but couldn’t bring myself to pay the price.”
“As a matter of fact, I did not.”
“Then it certainly had to be the pen holder. I am sure it will add just the right touch to your desk.”
“No,” he answered, a smile twisting upon his lips, believing that her mocking of him was preferable to her just ignoring him.
“Then what? Please don’t tell me it was a pair of jade cufflinks.”
“No again. Nothing for myself.”
“Then something for your new admirer?” Elyssa looked over at the young girl behind the counter. “I am sure she would be pleased with anything you bought her.”
Will narrowed his eyes at Elyssa. The intensity of his gaze made her shudder. She turned away as she realized that this man most likely had a volatile passion in both love and anger.
“Actually, I bought a little something for my sister.”
His words surprised her and she looked back at him. The intensity she had just seen in him had suddenly and surprisingly been replaced with a look of tenderness. Rather than allowing herself to be drawn into that gaze, Elyssa thought this would be a good opportunity to find out more about his younger sister.
“Ah, your sister. Tell me about her.”
“You want to hear about Gina?”
Elyssa nodded. They walked out of the store and continued up the street.
“Well, I think I mentioned to you that Gina is almost twelve years younger than me. Quite a surprise for my parents, I think.” He let out a soft chuckle. “But a nice surprise. She has always been a real sweet girl. I couldn’t have asked for a…” His voice trailed off as he realized what he was about to say. The last thing Elyssa needed to hear now was about how sweet a sister she was.
Unfortunately, he heard the catch in Elyssa’s breath and was confident she knew what he was going to say. He quickly continued on. “In the fall Gina begins her first year at Stanford, in northern California. Just north of where you live, I believe.”
“It’s a real nice campus. And what is she majoring in?”
“Business Management.”
“Of course, I should have guessed,” Elyssa said. “Does she have plans to oust you and become the first woman president of Pem
berleo Coffee?”
Will smiled. “I think not. While she hasn’t outright said so, I believe her interests lay in a completely different field.”
Hearing Will talk about his sister stirred her again. She could easily comprehend from his words and expression that he was fond of her.
Talk of Gina, however, was suspended as they came upon some of the old ruins. They were transported back hundreds of years walking through them.
After walking through several, Will waved his hand up the street.
“The convent is down this way. Did you wish to walk through it?”
“Yes I would like to.”
When they came to the convent, they approached a small window outside where Will walked up and ordered two tickets. Elyssa began to reach for her wallet, but was stopped when Will firmly put his hand up. “I’ll take care of this.”
From the insistent look in his eyes, she knew she dared not argue with him.
When they walked inside the doors, they were greeted with a contrast of beautiful gardens and decaying ruins. Elyssa let her hand run along the dusty exterior of the building, imagining what it would have been like for a young woman to have lived in this convent and to dedicate her whole life to her faith.
They walked past novice cells that were not much larger than her kitchen at home. She paused at one and looked in the doorway, wondering what it would be like to forgo ever marrying. She suddenly wondered whether she would ever marry. Things did not look too promising at the moment.
She turned her head and saw Will pull out his phone and turn a corner. He was quickly out of sight. She shook her head and determined that if she ever were to have even a fleeting flutter of attraction for the man, to quickly extinguish it. He would never be able to completely leave his work at work!
Elyssa let out a long sigh and turned in the opposite direction. This place wasn’t that big. She figured she would meet up with him again eventually.
Elyssa strolled about the ruins, peering in rooms and wondering what they had once been used for, what type of furniture had filled them, and what, if any, accessories decorated the place. She walked in and out of the beautiful gardens, breathing in the fragrant flowers and reveling in their bright colors.
Up ahead, she noticed a tour group and caught up with them. The tour guide spoke English and she listened attentively to his description of how life was here for the women. They came upon a large domed room and were told that historians were not really certain what it had been used for, but possibly for worship ceremonies.
The guide ushered everyone in and told them to spread themselves around the dome and against the wall. He then singled out a lady and had her whisper something to the person next to her. When she did, everyone on the other side of the room laughed.
“The acoustics in this room allow one to hear what someone is whispering on the other side!” He had a few others try it before he continued on.
“Now, if we have anyone here who can sing, we shall have a real treat, for the acoustics created by its domed shape will give it a beautiful rich sound!”
He looked around and everyone shook their head. “No singers? Certainly there must be one!”
Elyssa had taken singing lessons when she was younger, but felt awkward volunteering since she wasn’t part of this touring group.
When no one volunteered, the guide asked again. This time, Elyssa meekly raised her hand. “I am not a part of your tour group, but if that doesn’t matter, I could sing for you.”
“Splendid!” the tour guide exclaimed. “Sing anything you like, but face toward the center.”
Elyssa swallowed, moistening her mouth which now felt dry. She suddenly wondered what made her do such a thing as to volunteer to sing! Her mind swirled for a song and the only thing she could think of was hers and Janet’s favorite song, I Will Wait for You, which she had recently sung at a Community Center Talent Night.
The song was from the movie, Umbrellas of Cherbourg, which she, Janet, and Charlene had watched late one night on television. Since none of the girls knew French, they had to read all the sub-titles as it was done completely in French and sung the whole way through. They cried at the end of the movie, but of course had to watch it several more times. They still cried each time it came to its same grievous ending.
She closed her eyes and lifted up a prayer, “Help me do this!”
As she began singing the words, she noticed the effect immediately. It was as if she was singing into a microphone and the sound monitor was reflecting her voice back to her. The dynamics of this domed room carried her pure voice in every direction. She opened her eyes to see everyone’s eyes riveted upon her.
As she continued to sing, she thought how Janet would never have to wait for love anymore. She had found her love and was now with him for eternity. As she began to sing the chorus, she noticed Will walk into the domed room and look around, finally resting his eyes upon her.
Will had heard the singing off in the distance and was drawn to the angelic quality. When he came to the domed room, he had a difficult time discerning where the voice came from, as it seemed to pour forth from every point in the room. However, when he turned to follow everyone’s gaze, he was amazed to find that it was Elyssa whose voice he heard.
As Elyssa finished the song, Will stood in awe, lost in the clarity and tone of her voice. The words haunted him as the song had been about having to wait for love!
The words seemed to radiate from Elyssa’s heart and yet the words spoke of the condition of his heart toward her. He wondered whether she had any idea of his admiration. He could not tell her yet as she would not accept it… accept him. How long would he have to wait for her?
When Elyssa finished, there was much praise from everyone.
A gentleman standing next to Will turned to him and whispered, “Now that’s one beautiful lady and one fine voice if you ask me.”
Will nodded while keeping his eyes on Elyssa.
“I saw you with her. Is she your wife or a special lady?
Will turned to face the man and whispered rather abruptly, “No. I guess right now you could say she’s a major project!”
Glancing back at Elyssa, he was met with fiery eyes.
He turned and walked out. The quality of her voice affected him. The words had stirred him. He greatly appreciated good music and now this was added to her appealing traits. He shook his head and scuffed the ground with his foot, asking himself why he had to fall for a woman who was so decidedly bitter towards him… a woman who would never be able to love him.
Elyssa finally walked out after accepting some words of appreciation from those in the group. “I’m ready to go,” she said, and strode briskly and determinedly past him.
Chapter 8
The next day, Elyssa awoke with a heaviness in her heart. She attributed it to knowing that today she would finally have to sort through the things in Chad and Janet’s room. She refused to credit Will’s remark as having such an effect on her.
The words Will had used to describe what he was doing had hurt deeply, although she really wasn’t sure why. A major project! That’s what he called her. Just like drawing up the details for a merger or a business transaction, she was a major project!
Sure, he had complimented her on her singing. While driving home, Will praised her performance, but his words did little to ease the pain she felt because of his businesslike reference.
A frustrated huff escaped. She shouldn’t care what he thought of her! Earlier, she had vowed never to allow herself to be captivated by this man.
He is certainly good looking, she warned herself. But his charms, she added with a laugh, they are quite another matter. She had no reason to fear being captivated by his charms because he had none!
She was grateful that today was one free day to spend without him. He had business this afternoon and most likely would not be stopping by. When they had returned from Antigua yesterday, Elyssa was anxious to bid him farewell and afterwards did not feel incli
ned to begin sorting through the bedroom and decided to put it off one more day. That major task still lay ahead of her.
She hoped that she’d finish going through the townhouse today and somehow she would be able to go to Lake Atitlan tomorrow. George had promised her he would take her. Now she wondered whether that would happen. Since she hadn’t seen him since Will arrived and sent him away, she assumed his work in Colombia was keeping him busy.
She poured herself a freshly brewed cup of coffee and wrapped both her hands around the warm mug. As she took a sip, she smiled as she heard the birds noisily greet her. She walked over to the window and took great delight in watching the hummingbirds that made their appearance every morning visiting the plethora of flowers. Despite the feelings she had when she awakened, those things managed to soothe her unsettled spirits.
She finished her coffee and decided to take a shower before starting her task.
She felt much better when she stepped out of the shower and put on a pair of jeans and cool cotton shirt with short sleeves. She brushed out her hair and applied some light makeup. When she had finished, she looked up at herself and took a deep breath.
“Well,” she said to her reflection in the mirror. “I guess the time has finally come! I can’t put it off any longer.”
Going to the door of Janet and Chad’s room, she stood with her hands braced on either side for several moments, steeling herself for the inevitable. She knew she was behaving irrationally. She may not find anything here that would distress her. It was just that everything here would be so personal and she could almost feel Janet’s presence. Coming into this room, she felt that Janet would walk in at any moment.
The first thing she did when she walked in was to take a closer look at the pictures on the walls. “Oh, Janet,” she said aloud to herself, “You never did learn to group your pictures well.” There were some framed prints as well as framed photographs haphazardly dotting the walls.
Elyssa walked up to the photograph of Chad and Janet that was mounted over the bed and found herself smiling. They were both peeking out from behind a large bougainvillea plant and were framed themselves in flowers. She took it off the wall and put it next to the box of things she would take home with her. It was too large to fit inside.
