Gloria's Inn

by Robin Alexander

  After dinner we took our wine glasses and retired to the courtyard where I could smoke, which I loved to do after a meal. We sat in one of many patio chairs and talked about life on the island. I learned that Adrienne was originally from Florida and happened on the island by mistake. She was one of the first guests to stay at the Inn, and after becoming great friends with my aunt she simply never went back.

  “Why do you smoke Hayden?” She asked as I lit another cigarette.

  “Well basically I am a nervous person and it helps to calm my nerves. I hate the way a cigarette tastes so you will always see me drinking something when I smoke.” I said as I raised my glass of wine. “Which is bad for me when I am drinking something with alcohol in it. I tend to get a little loopy.”

  “Where is my aunt buried?” I asked out of the blue. Adrienne’s face became solemn. “She is buried at a little cemetery within walking distance of the Inn. She wanted to be close to the place she loved.” Her eyes misted at the thought.

  My heart broke for her. I could see that she had loved my aunt very deeply, and obviously missed her companionship. She sniffed a little before she spoke. “Your aunt was very precious to me, as I have said before I thought of her as a mother. She was the only person in this world that ever took the time to understand me.”

  “I would like to go to her grave site, since I was unable to attend her funeral. If it is not too painful would you like to accompany me tomorrow?” I asked hoping not to make her cry.

  She looked at me and smiled. “Yes, I would like that very much. I always put fresh flowers on her grave each week.”

  We agreed to order the supplies first thing in the morning and then we would pay my aunt a visit. She walked me back to my cottage and then returned to her own. I loved my aunt, but I didn’t know her as well as Adrienne had. It made me sad to think of how it must have broken her heart when my aunt passed from this life. My heart was heavy when I drifted off to sleep that night, with the knowledge of what Adrienne lost.

  The following morning I woke up about six am. Bless Adrienne, she had arranged for a coffee pot to be placed in my room. I brewed a pot and sat out on the doorstep and enjoyed a cup as I smoked. Ah life’s little pleasures.

  Out of the foliage appeared a small orange tiger stripped tabby cat. He didn’t look any older than a couple of months. I coaxed the kitten over, and listened to him purr as I scratched behind his ears. Adrienne had said that there were many stray cats around and I wondered if he had a home. Judging by the display of ribs poking out that was probably not the case.

  I had a stash of peanut crackers in my room, which I shared with the little cat. He ate each one I gave him like there was no tomorrow. When he had his fill he simply rolled over on his back and sunned his little stripped belly in the morning sun.

  I was amused at how his lip seemed to always be curled up over one of his front fangs. It made him look as though he had a perpetual snarl, kind of like a saber-toothed tiger. So I decided to name him Saber, and on the second day of being on the island I had adopted a cat.

  Luckily, my former job called for casual dress. I had an endless pile of shorts and lightweight shirts perfect for the climate. I showered and dressed and went off to find more suitable fare for my newly adopted feline. Iris fixed me up with two bowls perfect for a kitty, and some dry cat food she kept on hand for the strays. It seemed Iris had a soft spot for cats too.

  Adrienne walked up as Saber was discovering his new food bowls. He cast her a casual glance and began to chow down. I figured his paws were hollow, because I had no idea where he stored all the food he consumed. I made sure he had plenty of fresh water and then accompanied Adrienne to the bar.

  I was falling in love with Iris. She brought out pancakes bristling with raspberries, bacon and fresh juice to the table where we were working. I nearly fell to the floor and kissed her feet when she laid the food out in front of me. She did not escape without a heart felt hug though.

  As we ate breakfast Adrienne made out a list of the things that we would need. I added a couple of boxes of Count Chocula to the list. If I didn’t get that stuff soon somebody was going to get hurt. I listened as she called in our order. Afterward, she explained that it would be delivered by boat within the next two days weather permitting. I was thrilled.

  We worked off breakfast by walking up the road to aunt’s gravesite. We stopped to gather some fresh tropical flowers to lie on the head stone. It seemed strange not to be able to call up a florist and order something, but then I realized aunt would appreciate flowers taken directly from the soil of the land she loved a lot more.

  Adrienne politely stood back and allowed me a moment alone at aunts grave. Tears ran down my cheeks as I mourned the loss of someone dear to me. This woman had obviously touched the lives of this community deeply and it showed by mounds of flowers that covered her gravesite.

  I stood back and allowed Adrienne her time alone with aunt, and as she knelt down on the ground to lovingly place her flowers I wondered if I would be able to fill the shoes of the woman whose body lay buried beneath the earth. I decided at that moment that I wanted to carry on what she started. Whatever profit the Inn would turn a portion would go to supporting this community.

  On the walk back we were both quiet, each lost in our own thoughts. I had only been here a day and a half and this place had already begun to change me. I was starting to see why aunt never had a desire to leave this place for the land where she was born.

  As we neared the Inn I decided to break the silence we had both fallen into. “So what else do we need to do in preparation for our guests? When she did not readily answer I decided to make a stab at humor. “If it involves snakes, you can count me out.”

  She smiled. That smile was beginning to get to me, but I fought it valiantly by reminding myself at how she had laughed at me the day before. I didn’t think it would be a good idea to get romantically involved with someone that I would have to work so closely with.

  “We rest.” She said.

  “Rest? That’s all. I thought you said that there is a lot of work to be done in between the visits of the guests.” I was not accustomed to “rest.”

  Your aunt could have made a fortune by booking guests in the Inn continually like the others, but she wanted us all to have time for ourselves. She always said. “What is the use of having all this if you don’t have time to enjoy it?” We do all the cleaning and prep work right after the guests leave, then most of the time we have left we simply relax and enjoy our surroundings.”

  I was curious. “So how do you plan to spend the rest of the day?

  There was that smile again. “I had planned on getting my snorkeling gear and going down to the beach. Iris usually packs me a lunch and I spend the day on the beach reading and playing in the water.”

  “You do this alone?” That sounded a little dangerous to me.

  “No I usually have some friends that join me.” She said with a grin.

  I didn’t know why at the time but my heart sank when she said that. A woman as beautiful as she would obviously have someone with whom she spent her time, and I did not want to be a third wheel. I felt another emotion that surprised me; jealousy had reared its ugly head.

  “I would love it if you would join us.” She said politely.

  I was about to decline the offer when we were rushed by a group of boys that I figured ranged in age from seven to ten. I watched as she hugged each one. From the looks on their little faces they obviously adored her.

  “Hayden, allow me to introduce my beach buddies.” She called each of their names and one by one they approached a little warily to shake my hand. She looked at me and asked. “So what about it Hayden, will you join us?

  They all looked at me expectantly, and when I agreed they jumped around excitedly including Adrienne. The boys followed her and helped her collect the gear and food. I returned to my cottage to find my swimsuit.

  Upon my arrival I found a dead lizard lying on my door matt. My n
ew feline friend stood triumphantly near by. With the gift he had cemented our relationship. He was now the proud owner of a human. I silently prayed that he would not feel the need to bring me any more gifts.

  Once I gathered my things I went down the narrow path leading to the bluff. My eyes literally bugged out of my head as I looked for any reptiles laying in hiding. I was relieved when I reached the clearing at the bluff that I had not encountered any creatures of the slimy snakey kind. Yes, I do know they are not slimy but they look that way to me.

  The sight I saw on the beach warmed my heart. I watched as Adrienne chased the group of little boys up and down the sandy beach in a game of tag. She was absolutely beautiful. Her hair blew free in the breeze, and her tanned skin shone like gold reflecting the sun. She was radiant.

  When I made the trek down to them the boys all began to grab their snorkel gear and waited patiently as I dug mine out of the bag. Snorkeling was one of my favorite hobbies, and I looked forward to seeing what was beneath those crystal clear waters.

  Adrienne gathered the boys together and made all of them be quiet before she spoke. “You know the rules gang. Everyone must have a buddy, and we all stay together in a group.”

  I took that moment to ogle her in a swimsuit. Her tanned legs went on for days. The teal bikini that she sported covered all of the important parts, but left little to the imagination. I couldn’t wait for her to get into the water because I was sure it would cling to her skin even closer. Had I not been in a group of little boys I may have been tempted to chase her down the beach like a rabid dog.

  I watched as the boys paired off. My heart sank when the smallest of the group was left without a partner. I approached him and smiled as sweetly as I knew how, which might have scared him a little. “I don’t have a buddy either, would you mind pairing up with me?”

  His face lit up with a smile, as he nodded. I looked down into his big brown eyes and could not imagine denying that child anything at that moment. It was then I knew that I had gone insane. Children had always gotten on my last nerve. They were loud, and what they did not break they peed on.

  “My name is Kevin.” He said as he took my hand in his small one and led me to the water. I glanced over and noticed Adrienne watching us with the most peculiar expression on her face. When she realized that she had been caught starring she simply smiled and accompanied her snorkeling buddy into the water.

  We moved as a group to a small grouping of rocks. My buddy stayed close to my side, and I often caught those big brown eyes watching me intently. It took me a little while but I noticed the protectiveness in his actions. This little child was watching over me, making sure I was all right. The little fart made my heart melt.

  The jetties were alive with sea life. I watched as the bright colored fish that I had often seen in fish tanks back home, as they darted in and out of the rocks. I think I enjoyed this snorkeling trip more than the ones in the past. The difference was seeing things through a child’s eyes. They marveled over things we adults simply took for granted. We spent at least two hours circling those rocks finding new things at each turn. I found Adrienne studying me more than once with the same peculiar expression.

  We all grew hungry and went on shore to dig into the basket that Iris had made for us. To my supreme delight there was no Conch, instead we had ham and turkey sandwiches and fruit for desert.

  With our bellies full Adrienne and I stretched out on the sand and watched as the children played in the surf. As I lay there the thought occurred to me that had we been in the states it may have seemed strange to passersby to find two white women the company of black children. People are people regardless of color, but even in this day and age there was always someone who had to make the distinction between the races.

  As if she were reading my thoughts Adrienne spoke up. “They are beautiful children aren’t they? They are so innocent and pure; they know nothing of racism of differences between races. They simply see people as people, and all they want is someone who will take a genuine interest in them.”

  One of the boys approached us. “Is it time for our story now Adrienne?” She smiled and nodded and all they boys came racing ashore. She pulled from her bag. “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and began to read. I watched as each child lay in the warm sand and was carried off into Narnia listening to Adrienne as she read. Before I realized it I was there too lost in the words of the story that C.S. Lewis penned so long ago.

  Adrienne and I walked to together behind the kids as we made our way back to the Inn. We watched them as they played together on the walk, and explored the same things they must have seen a million times. I was especially wary when we started up the narrow path. I walked ahead making sure there were no slimy snakes on the trail.

  We arrived at the Inn as Iris was serving the food out on the patio tables in the courtyard. Adrienne, the children and I all dined on fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and peas. When all the bellies were full Adrienne and I both hugged and kissed each child before they left for home. I could not help but wonder if I had lost my mind. I had actually enjoyed the company of a bunch of rowdy little boys.

  I was beat when I got back to the cottage. I showered and relaxed in front of the television for a while. My mind kept going back to the woman I spent the day with. I wondered what she was doing, and hoping she was as tired as I was so I wouldn’t feel like such a wimp.

  I lay in my bed admiring my new home. It wasn’t the posh place I expected, but in its simplicity it held a unique charm. I put my comforter set from home on my bed to give the place a more home like atmosphere. The nautical pattern meshed nicely with the existing tropical décor. The floor was made of stone tablets with decorative mosaic inlays. I loved the way it felt cool against my feet. Aside from the garden tub in my bathroom, my favorite feature was the floor to ceiling screened windows. The positioning of them allowed the Caribbean breeze to blow through my room unhindered.

  I heard a familiar scratching at the door. I grinned as I got up; I knew it was Saber back to fill his belly. He strolled in as I opened the door and gave me a meow as if saying hello. He went straight to his food and filled up his hollow legs.

  When I turned the lights out, he jumped up on the bed and curled up against me. He kicked his purr motor into high gear and soon we were both asleep. Sometime during the night he grew restless and slapped the clock by my bed onto the floor. When I got up he went straight to the door to be let out, thus beginning a long pattern for our nights to come.

  Chapter 3

  I thought I was becoming ill the next day. I got up at six-thirty am all by myself, no alarm clock, nothing. I pressed the back of my hand to my forehead to check for fever, confirming what I already knew. I was perfectly healthy. I was simply losing my mind.

  Playing with kids, desires to better the community, adopting strays, I was losing it! It had to be something in that iced tea they are always offering me. Or worse, maybe they were brain washing me in my sleep. I could just picture them all gathered around my cottage at night blowing into those damn Conch shells chanting nice things over and over. This was a nightmare!

  I got up and stumbled over to the coffee pot, once I had it brewing I went into the bathroom to look into the mirror and see if I was still me. I looked at the image staring back at me and noticed some subtle changes. I actually looked relaxed. I stared at myself as I brushed my teeth, something was happening to me, and what scared me the most was that I kind of liked it.

  I showered and got dressed and was ready to face the day at seven am. How stupid was I? Adrienne said we could rest this week. I should have been staring at the insides of my eyelids till at least ten am.

  I poured myself a cup of coffee and opened the door to sit on the step. I was met by Saber, and of course he meowed and went straight to his food. He joined me later as I sat on the step enjoying my cigarette and coffee in solitude. I absently stroked his fur as I listened to the sounds of the tropical forest, and breathed the fresh scent of the oc
ean breeze.

  Then it hit me. The most offensive odor I think I had ever smelled. I looked down at the orange kitten. “Saber! How could you? I had my mouth open and was drinking my coffee!” The odor didn’t pass. Perhaps it was not coming out of the cat but was on the cat. I picked up the little ball of fur and gave him a sniff. I gagged as I set him back down. “Saber, your not going to like this, its bath time.

  I ran a little water in the bathroom sink and set one of my best smelling shampoos next to it. Then I went in search of Mr. Stinky. Everything was going fine, the purr motor was on full blast, he was looking up at me with little orange eyes of love, and then I stuck him in the water.

  A noise came out of that cat that made me want to run into the forest screaming. I stood my ground though and did my best to keep his little body in the water as I reached for the shampoo. I managed to get him all soaped up; he seemed to relax a little as I rubbed the shampoo into his fur. However, when it came time to rinse him he made that noise again and I almost gave up.

  I wrapped the little pissed off feline in a towel and dried him as best I could. When I unwrapped him he was significantly smaller. I began to wonder if I had shrunk him. I plugged in the hair dryer and prepared to give him a fluffing. When I turned the dryer on he the shot out of my hands like a rocket, and I swear if the door had not already been opened there would have been a cat shaped hole in it.

  I cleaned the bathroom sink and mopped up all the water with a towel. All the while trying to imagine what that cat had gotten into to make him smell that bad. There was no way he was getting back in bed with me smelling like a crapper.

  My stomach sounded like I had a family of bears living in it, so I decided to see what dear Iris had cooked up for breakfast. She met me in the doorway of the dining room and informed me that Adrienne was in the bar waiting on me. I joined her and we dined on blueberry waffles. I love Iris.

  Adrienne and I ate in comfortable silence. I was so full that I debated on going back to bed. Adrienne invited me to take a morning walk, which I readily accepted. This time we went the opposite direction from the graveyard, so I could see a little more of the scenery.