Henry

by Cilika Kunovic

  “Well, tell us, then, what is your wish or your plans for the future?” Barb wanted to know. She was slightly annoyed at what her daughter had said; however, this was not the first time that Olivia had spoken of the cottage unfavourably.

  “Mark and I have not yet made any definite plans for where we would get married,” Olivia was quick to say. (Chances were that she was being hard to please and would make a big commotion regarding any place Mark might have suggested. Therefore, it would take some time to come to any conclusion. On the other hand, chances were the two of them might never get to that point, unless Olivia decided to be more co-operative. She still had a long way to go before maturity was to set in.)

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  The cottage was finally completed, and Henry was on cloud nine. It had been a while since Lily had passed on, and since Serge was taken away from him. Nevertheless, Henry was still very much alive; and with the support of his very loyal friends around him, he was able to carry on and overcome the hurdles of his life that kept threatening to destroy him.

  Rebuilding the cottage was a learning experience for Henry. Now it was time to enjoy the finished product. The structure itself, perched on a hill and overlooking the lake, was quite a sight to see. Henry wanted to capture some of the old charm combined with the new look, making all of its features complement one another.

  “Hi, Barb, it’s Henry. I am calling you from my new place at the lake.” He was so excited he didn’t know quite what to say or how to say it.

  “Yes, Henry? How are you doing?” Barb could feel the tension and the excitement at the same time in Henry’s voice. She decided to come right out with a straight question. “So, what are you going to call your new place?” She was aware that he hadn’t had the chance to think much about it. Or had he? She felt like a naughty child who bothers everyone around the playground at school.

  “Well, I am open for suggestions.” Her question had startled him. At the same time, he found it interesting. As far as he was concerned, this was still The Cottage — but giving it a name just might bring a new beginning to it all. It would give it a new dimension.

  “How about, ‘LAKE HOUSE’? Would that do?” Barb suggested. She paused and was surprised at it herself. In fact, she was quite impressed by it, if she did say so herself.

  “That sounds great to me. Well, I never!” Henry said quickly and sealed the deal. “How about that? ‘Lake House’ it is!” He thanked her and he felt complete and grateful.

  Looking at Lake House, one got the feeling of purpose, style, class, and stability. The house had a split-level entrance going down, and you enter a large recreation area with an exit through French doors. Also on that floor were a kitchen, a bathroom, a cellar, and a games room. Going up, you entered an office on the left; to the right were a bathroom and a laundry room. Going farther down the back on the main floor, extra-large windows admitted brilliant light to the living/dining room and to a large kitchen. Farther down, to the right, were four bedrooms. Above the kitchen, living, and dining area was a loft that would provide plenty of sleeping accommodation if/when needed.

  Looking from the house, over the lake, was simply breathtaking.

  The word had spread, and Anna Miller congratulated Henry on his accomplishment.

  “Henry, I always knew how extremely capable and courageous you were, and this just proves I was right . . . now it is time to enjoy it.”

  This gave Henry the perfect opportunity to invite her and George to the opening of “Lake House.” “As soon as we manage to get everything together, we will have an official opening. I would be honoured if you and George would come and help us celebrate; and that includes the family.”

  “We would be happy to attend. Just say the word and we will be there.” She was delighted by the invitation. They themselves had had plenty of frustrations renovating their store. Even though they had their own celebration, they knew how Henry felt at that time and they also knew how he had postponed his rebuilding for many reasons, including their priorities. Henry always knew his place like a gentleman would.

  Now, Anna being who she was, quickly started planning on what she would send to Henry’s opening. After all, Henry had been a friend of the family for decades and he must have the best. Santa is always the one who brings gifts to others; but this time, he would be on the receiving end of it.

  “I have been spending plenty of time up there. In a way, I feel guilty, but my partners tell me I should dedicate even more time to the place. Sometimes I wonder if they are trying to get me out of their way.” He was half serious but he knew better.

  “Henry, if I were you, I would listen to them and do just that. As far as I know, you are officially a silent partner so give yourself a chance to be retired and enjoy your life. We are letting our children do more and more in order to get some time for ourselves,” Anna replied.

  “I shall give it a thought. I don’t suppose you would believe me if I told you I prefer to be at work on a daily basis, rather than being alone at home?” This had been a constant situation with him all along. Loneliness is a kind of disease, and Henry was having nothing to do with it — he preferred to work instead and keep busy.

  “How is business?” Anna inquired further.

  “Very well, thank you. Bill Randall is one of the funniest guys to work with. There is never a dull moment with him around.”

  “You and Bill have known each other for many years.”

  “Yes, I knew him even before he married my cousin Shirley.” Henry felt a twinge of remorse as he said it; Anna knew that Shirley had passed on shortly after they were married, from a brain aneurism. Bill later remarried but he continued to maintain a lasting friendship with Henry.

  A few weeks passed, and Henry was being cautious as to whether he should approach the Prestons about giving him a hand preparing for the opening of Lake House. He hated to impose on anyone, but he really wished Barb would come and tell him what needed to be done. He decided to give her a call. He got the message machine. “Hi, Barb, it’s Henry . . . could I have a word with you regarding the opening of the cottage? I feel a bit overwhelmed by it. Give me a shout, please.” Although he was reluctant to impose on her again, he knew that if he didn’t, she would be hurt.

  “Hi, Henry. I was out when you called. How can I help you?” Henry had to chuckle for the way Barb always chatted up a storm when she was anxious about something.

  “Hello, Barb — thanks for getting back to me. I was wondering if I might impose on you once more? I am ready to have that opening up north but I am at a loss. I was wondering if you could help me with it — you are so good at organizing events. You’re a natural.”

  “Oh, Henry . . . flattery will get you everywhere! I am honoured by your request. Leave it with me . . . Just when would you like to have the opening?”

  “I believe a Saturday would be good, so that everyone can have a good time and then have the chance to unwind on Sunday. Am I right?”

  “Yes, you are. So, which Saturday will it be? Just say the word, and I will get it together — with your help, of course.” Barb knew he would want to be involved. She was also sure the rest of the family would be willing to help, as well as Sasha and Dominic. Especially Dominic! He would do anything for his old friend and mentor.

  “I will leave that up to you. My Saturdays are all the same, but others might have some other plans coming up.”

  “Very well — I’ll let you know as soon as I ask everybody. That is, everybody who counts.” She winked at Nicole, who was standing right beside her. The whole process was actually a lot harder than she had anticipated, because people were working, and there were always things such as birthdays to consider. She wished she had a magic wand.

  The time was finally set for the first or second weekend in August. There was much to prepare, and extra hands were needed. The guys were more than willing to get the drinks organized as well as two barbecues that were needed and were set ready for use. There would also be plenty of
food prepared ahead of time.

  “Hi, Barb — this is Anna. I hear you are in charge of preparations for the party . . . I would like to participate as well. If you could tell me what to bring and what to help with, I would be delighted. Would you give it a thought and let me know?” Anna didn’t want to impose on Barb but she wanted to help for Henry’s sake. There was not much Anna wouldn’t do for Henry.

  “Anna, I would very much appreciate your help. If you could spare some time, we could perhaps have lunch and discuss the possibilities. Would that be okay with you?”

  “Would tomorrow be all right?”

  “Great! I will meet you at the store and then we can decide where to go for lunch. What time is good for you?”

  “One o’clock would suit me best.”

  “I’ll see you then.”

  The two of them were not doing this for the first time. They used to have plenty of quiet lunches together before they both got involved in too much work. There were the families’ needs, and later they both took on a lot of work outside the home. When there are children, mothers usually are the ones who are needed everywhere. Not that either one ever complained about anything; both were happy with their lives.

  Barb arrived at the store and found Anna in the kitchen. She had baked the most delicious samples of cupcakes for the party at Henry’s Lake House. She would test them on her kids.

  “So when is it going to take place?” Anna was getting more and more excited about the party.

  “Well, the second weekend in August seems the best so far. That is, providing it suits most people. Are you and your family available then? If not, perhaps the first weekend, then?”

  “Let me get back to you on that. As far as I know, it’s fine, but I will check with everybody else.”

  For the most part, the summer weather was great, and much-needed holidays had been spread out in all directions. So this oncoming party / opening celebration was happily anticipated. This had been a good summer for Henry. His immediate friends and associates often encouraged him to get himself another pet to keep him company, but Henry kept on politely declining any such offers, hoping nobody would be foolish enough to bring him a pet as a gift. With all due respect, a pet should be a personal choice. All he wanted was peace and quiet and, hopefully, good health for another ten years or so.

  The Lambert children were the ones who wanted to give Henry a pet at the opening of Lake House. However, Barb thought better of it.

  “Let him enjoy his freedom. If Henry wanted to replace Serge, he would have done so himself before now.”

  “Barb, it’s Anna. The first weekend in August would suit us the best.” Anna was hoping that it suited the others as well. “Will you let me know if that is okay?”

  “Yes, Anna — I’m sure we have a deal on that one.”

  So the party was on for the first weekend in August. The Prestons were all excited about it. The Lamberts, of course, were a bit divided on it. Dominic and Sasha were happy to go, but Susanne was not. The Millers were keeping track of who was to go earlier and who was to come later and stay till the end. Barb and Anna had all the food and beverages organized, and Henry insisted on being in charge of drinks. He claimed he knew from his navy days how the men like their drinks. He enjoyed social gatherings. He and Lily had entertained quite a lot in their earlier years — until Lily had become quite ill.

  Barb was exhausted shortly before the party. She and Anna had had several luncheons trying to get it all together. Henry had made it quite clear that he was to be given all of the receipts for the party expenses. He was more than willing to pay for everything, but Barb and Anna gave him only a selection of those receipts. Besides, they prepared a lot of things themselves and with pleasure. This was for Henry.

  On one occasion, when the girls had to go to the house in order to organize everything for the party, they took advantage of the view out there.

  “What does this view remind you of?” Anna asked.

  She surprised Barb with the question. “For me, it’s the movies, which I used to watch and dream about. I don’t know quite what you are getting at, but I have never seen anything so beautiful anywhere else in real life.” She waited for Anna’s reply. She could see how Anna looked at the place with love.

  “Before it burned down, I asked Henry if he would be willing to sell the cottage. I had been here a few times before, while Lily was still alive. I knew what we stood to gain by buying the place, because I always felt at home here. And we would have kept it the way it was.

  “We thought he would want to sell because he was unable to bring himself to come here after Lily’s passing.”

  “And what was his reply?”

  “He told me he had every intention of keeping it, only he didn’t know when he would be ready to return here. I could tell that he had big plans for it but I never expected him to rebuild it in this fashion.” Anna was reminiscing. “We would never even think of rebuilding it this nice. I guess I am just an old-fashioned soul. But I always knew that Henry had a flair for great projects. Too bad he never had any children.”

  They both stared into the water and the surrounding areas. The lake was still, the loons could be heard nearby, the birds were chirping all around them, and the feeling of tranquility was surreal.

  “There was a time in my life when I dreamed of marrying a handsome man, with a house overlooking the water. Only that water didn’t have this kind of tranquility. I would take this instead anytime . . .”

  “Oh, Anna, you are a romantic. You never showed this side of you before.”

  “There are things about me that even I didn’t know about until I saw the Lambert children suffering. I have been busy working and never looking back. I guess I took things for granted because I was too busy to stop and think. By offering to buy the old cottage, I thought I would be helping Henry; but he was all along busy trying to help those poor children. It takes a good person to do all that.”

  Barb was in tears. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have this conversation with you,” Barb said. “And there is no better place to do it. This place is magical. And I agree with you about Henry’s willingness to help those children.”

  Suddenly, they heard a yell. It was Tom, just checking on the property.

  “Hi, Tom!” Barb yelled right back. “It’s Barb and Anna Miller. We came to prepare a few things for the big party. Would you like to join us?”

  “No, thanks. Give Henry my regards.”

  The girls promised to do so. That awakened the two of them from their daydreaming. It was fun while it lasted. They gathered a few things together and decided it was time to return home. The drive was enjoyable, and so was the company.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  The time had come for the big party.

  Henry stood by the front window of his home in the city and wondered how he should best approach the day of the celebration. He decided to give Barb and Sam a call in case he should be helping them deliver things for the party.

  “Good morning, Barb — it’s Henry. I want to ask if you need any help bringing anything up to the house. I have plenty of room. I took my stuff up yesterday, so I can help.”

  “Yes, Henry, you can take our kids — they want to have a swim or two before they need to change for the party. They will have their change of clothes with them. Is that okay with you?”

  “You can take me, too,” she heard Sam saying in the background.

  “I don’t believe these guys, Henry. I will have to let you go so I can sort things out here. I’ll see you there, and don’t you cater to those kids in any way — they can take care of themselves. Did you hear me?” She was having a good time laughing at the lot of them.

  When he arrived, Barb was quick to apologize: “Henry, I just realized that you were likely taking the Lamberts up with you —”

  But before she could continue, Henry stopped her, saying, “I’ll be picking up the Lamberts later, because Sasha and Dominic are still working at the store. I
promised to come for them around noon. Don’t worry — everything is fine.”

  “If that’s the case, then let me bring them up with me. I was planning on coming up at about that time. You have enough food and whatever is needed for now, until we come up.

  “All right, Sam, go ahead and join them. After all, you would be nothing but a nuisance anyway.”

  Henry was happy. “Very well; I’ll stop by the store and let them know.”

  Then they drove off, and Barb was happy to get rid of them.

  Henry gave Sam an impish look, as if to say, You got your way, as always. She knows you well.

  Sam was bursting with energy. “Yes!” Was this a reply to Henry’s unspoken thought?

  Anyway, Barb was more relaxed by herself. There was still plenty to do. She had to get herself as well as Sam organized for the party. The food would come last. The phone rang; she answered, but there was no one on the line. She got this odd feeling that Susanne may have been the one who called. She decided to give her a ring.

  “Hi, Susanne. Are you going up to the lake with us?”

  At first there was no reply, then with an effort, Susanne came out with her not so unusual statement: “I don’t think anybody will miss me if I don’t go. I feel a headache coming on.”

  “So have you told Sasha and Dominic that you are not planning on going?” Barb could feel the anger rising up to her throat. She knew that diplomacy would be required on her part if she wanted to keep those two young people happy and persuade their mother to go with them. She knew that Dominic would not enjoy himself if his mother were at home alone and in God only knows what state. So what should be said or done in order to impress Susanne and encourage her to go?