Natasha's Legacy

by Heather Greenis

  Tom entered the dining room. “I hate to interrupt.”

  “Not at all,” Adam responded. “Please sit down. Would you like a cup of coffee?”

  “No thank you.” Tom took a seat. “I have been blessed to work in this building thirty-five years.”

  “Has it been that long?” Adam questioned.

  “My bride tells me it has. Grace and I have been talking. It’s time I retire. I’m afraid I lack the energy I once had and fear the children will suffer. It’s time you seek another manager.”

  “You will be missed, but I understand,” Alex responded.

  “Will you stay on until we find a replacement?” Adam questioned.

  “Of course.”

  Word quickly spread around the city and Alex began interviewing applicants. A number of men and women were interviewed for the manager position, but to Alex they lacked the enthusiasm, energy level, or spirit required to manage a large number of children of different age groups. Reviewing management applicants was as tedious as volunteer applicants. He lacked the patience for both.

  By the fifth week, Alex was frustrated and convinced himself the orphanage did not require a manager. He walked into the office where his father was sitting.

  “This search is wearing my patience. I have decided I will manage the orphanage, myself.”

  “No, I will not allow you to do that, son. I have vivid memories of my youth, a time this building ran without the additional help, and it was very tiring for us all. We will continue this quest.”

  Later that day, Alex was sitting in the office, staring out the window, when Sarah tapped and walked in.

  “Please tell me you’re sympathizing with me,” Alex begged. “That you are willing to take on this dreadful paperwork. Review these applicants.”

  “I sympathize, but I’m not willing to assist. My students have assignments I’m expected to mark, but I would like to offer a suggestion. I’ve had the most interesting chat with Jessica. A personal chat.”

  Jessica began volunteering months ago and quickly developed a friendship with Sarah. She was employed elsewhere and had a beau in his final year of university. Alex placed his pen on the desk.

  “You always enjoy chatting with her.”

  “Jessica isn’t pleased with her job. She enjoys her time here and looks forward to it. In confidence, she said she’d be interested in the manager’s role.”

  “She hasn’t applied.”

  “No. She lacks an education in child development, but she has a passion for the children.”

  “Yes, I know. The children adore her. They speak of her at bedtime.”

  “Would you be willing to consider her for the position?”

  “Of course. Ask her to come in.”

  Sarah had a smile on her face when she rushed out of the room. Fifteen minutes later, Alex asked Sarah to find Adam. The interview continued and Jessica was hired. Ecstatic, Alex was confident in their decision. She would begin her new role the following week.

  At the end of Jessica’s second day, she entered the office and closed the door.

  “I’d like to plan a farewell party for Tom. The children deserve the opportunity to say goodbye to their friend.”

  “Yes. That’s a wonderful idea,” Alex admitted.

  “If you have an old sheet, I will have the children make a sign.”

  Alex grinned and nodded.

  To say the children were excited would be an understatement. They painted a farewell sign which included a sun, a rainbow, cake, and stick people with smiling faces. Each child signed it.

  The celebration went off splendidly. Wearing the paper crowns the children had prepared, Tom and Grace sat at the head of the table and enjoyed the chocolate cake. It was a perfect day and send-off. Jessica led the children into the play room for quiet time allowing the family to say goodbye to their friend. Alex shook hands with Tom and then stepped back, giving Sarah room to embrace Tom and kiss his cheek.

  “Thank you for sending Alex to the mercantile,” he heard her whisper.

  “Thank Grace. It was her idea.”

  Together with his parents, Papa Stewart, and Izabella, they walked their long-time friend and his wife to their car and then Alex handed Tom an appreciation cheque.

  That evening, the entire family joined the children in the attic for prayer. They asked God to watch over their friend Tom and his family. The following morning, Jessica arrived for work, adding new life and vigour to the orphanage.

  * * *

  Hope was in her room with her door open, reading.

  “Hope.”

  She looked up to see Sarah standing at the entrance. “Come in.”

  Sarah walked into the room and closed the door.

  “Alex’s thirtieth birthday is approaching. I’d like to organize a surprise party. It will take place here, at the orphanage, and the children can assist.”

  “How delightful! Yes, of course. Adam and I will help, as will the other family members.”

  “I’ll speak to Jessica tomorrow.”

  Sarah was all smiles as she left the room.

  The following morning, Adam took the archived adoption files into their bedroom. He spent hours scanning twenty years’ worth of files for the names of children that had bonded with their son. Friends their compassionate son would remember. With Rose and Richard’s help, they brainstormed for names of school and university mates. Isaac’s name was mentioned in the privacy of the bedroom, but Rose’s former beau would not be invited.

  Rose was put in charge of the cake. Hope and Sarah ordered balloons and festive decorations from the mercantile. Invitations were prepared and sent. Stewart was to entertain Alex on the big day, keeping him occupied and away from the orphanage until their guests arrived.

  Chapter Twelve

  Alex woke on the morning of his birthday. Sarah continued sleeping soundly. He dressed, walked down the steps, and into the dining area. Greeted with regular morning salutations, Alex thought his family had forgotten his special day.

  Shortly after the children were fed, Jessica approached him.

  “Would you mind going to the city? I’m ashamed to admit, I’m behind in my paperwork.”

  “Of course.” Alex took the list from her and looked at it. “My word. I’m surprised the children have been fed.” He left in search of Sarah, finding her in the music room. “Sarah, I’m doing errands in the city. Would you join me?”

  “I would but I have six students today. Three in the morning and another three before dinner.”

  “Six?” He scrunched his nose and went to his room to change.

  Papa met him in the hallway and offered to accompany him.

  “Let's take the horses and buggy. They could use an outing and we can appreciate the beautiful day.”

  Alex tapped the reins and Papa began chatting.

  * * *

  Once Alex and Stewart left, Adam took a prepared sign and nailed it by the entrance. The orphanage would be closed to visitors for the day. Rose and Richard left the twins with Vicki and Greg and arrived within the hour. The piano was moved from the teaching area into the study room, the eating area was rearranged, and decorations hung.

  “I’m so pleased,” Sarah said. “This is just as I imagined.”

  Vicki and Greg arrived with Matt and Carolyn and the twins an hour before the guests were expected. All the children were in awe of the colours when Hope opened the door to the eating area to display the balloons, streamers, and ‘happy birthday’ signs.

  “This looks wonderful,” Vicki commended.

  Tom and Grace arrived with their family and then Sarah’s parents, brother, and a pregnant Ingrid.

  * * *

  Stewart treated his grandson to lunch and they enjoyed their time together. The day progressed according to plan until Alex saw a university school chum outside the mercantile. Stewart climbed onto the buggy, looking forward to the leisurely ride home. The conversation between the young men continued with neither Alex nor his chum
in a rush to depart. Concerned, Stewart pulled out his pocket watch.

  “Alex, it pains me to interrupt, but we must return home.”

  “We can finish our conversation later,” the friend announced.

  Hearing the comment, it was obvious the young man had been invited with plans to attend the evening celebration. Stewart glared at the friend.

  “Don’t be a stranger to the city, Alex. Next time, perhaps we can go out for a coffee, or even lunch.”

  “I’d like that. I better get going.”

  Alex climbed onto the buggy, took the reins into his hands, and led the horses away.

  When the team approached the orphanage, Stewart did not see any carriages, buggies or automobiles that would cause Alex to become suspicious. Alex stopped the horses and Stewart stepped down and walked toward the main entrance. Alex led the horses to the barn.

  Entering the lobby, the entire family was in the room. “My apologies for being tardy.” He took his place beside Izabella and waited for what seemed like a lifetime for Alex. Adam was looking out the window, watching for the guest of honour to approach.

  “He’s coming.”

  * * *

  Alex enjoyed his day away although it would have been perfect if Sarah had been able to join them. It was a wonderful break from work. When they arrived home, his papa said he was tired and left Alex to tend to the horses. There was nothing out of the ordinary about the day. He walked toward the orphanage and opened the door. Then it happened. There was a room full of people bellowing, “Happy Birthday.”

  He froze. I’m the centre of attention. No-o-o. He scanned the crowd for Sarah and saw her big beautiful smile, but there were too many people in his home. I can’t. He put his hands over his eyes and then turned around to face the door.

  “Happy birthday, Alex,” Sarah whispered and then kissed his cheek.

  “There are a lot of people in my home,” he winced, lowering his hands.

  “Your family, my family, and Tom and Grace. I know you consider them family.”

  “Our family. I’m accustomed to seeing them sit around a table for a meal or scattered around my home, not congested in the lobby.”

  “Our family has gone to a great deal of effort to arrange this get together.”

  He looked at Sarah and then took a deep breath and turned around. Alisha squirmed in Rose’s arms. Alex extended his arms to her. Holding his niece, he looked over and saw her quiet twin content in Richard’s arms. Then Alex heard the music.

  “That isn’t coming from the gramophone.”

  “My students will be arriving to perform different pieces. Your favourites. They have been practicing.”

  Appreciating the time and effort it took to arrange a special day, he gave Sarah a loving smile. “It’s perfect.”

  When the group scattered, Alex relaxed and enjoyed himself. His parents danced with the orphanage children. Rose and Richard minded their twins. Sarah’s last student left shortly before the meal was served and the gramophone was turned on for soft background melodies.

  After completing the main course, Sarah and Rose walked into the room with the cake.

  Every child had bulging eyes when they saw the flicker of light coming from the coloured candles.

  “There are far too many candles for me to blow out. I require assistance.” Alex looked at the children. “Do I have any volunteers?”

  Seeing the hands rise, he smiled. Alisha squirmed in Richard’s arms, determined to get closer to the bright, sparkling object. Looking toward Alisha’s twin, he was still content in Rose’s arms, alert and watching. Nothing escaped that child’s attention. His nephew truly had Venderkemp blood running through his veins whereas his niece was all Donovan.

  Alex called the names of the two children who had spent the longest time at the orphanage. The candles were blown out and the cake devoured.

  “Alex, I must warn you. More people are due to arrive,” Sarah mentioned as the plates were cleared.

  “More?”

  When she nodded, he forced a smile.

  Jessica, Sarah, and his parents settled the children for the evening, and then the adults scattered into different rooms to change into more suitable attire. Alex walked into the bedroom and found his suit, freshly pressed.

  He was in the dining area, socializing with his cousins and uncles when he noticed Matthew look toward the stairs. Turning, Sarah descended in a beautiful, shimmering, forest-green gown.

  “Wow.”

  “It was at Valentine’s. Izabella had the gown set aside and Rose brought it when they arrived this morning.”

  “I’ve said this on many occasions, but it remains true. You are stunning.”

  “And you look very handsome in your suit.”

  Music from the gramophone filled the rooms and bottles of wine were set on the table. Guests began arriving and his parents, grandfather, and Izabella began socializing. Sarah became occupied with associates from the conservatory.

  Alex was looking for Sarah when he noticed his father walk into the room. The man that accompanied him had a familiar face. Where do I know him from, university perhaps? No. Oh my gosh. It’s my orphanage friend. It’s Johnny. Shocked, but delighted, he walked over to greet his friend.

  “Alex,” his poppa called, “you remember Johnny. John.”

  “Of course. Come join me. You must tell me about your life since leaving this building.”

  “I was fortunate. I was adopted by loving parents and I became a doctor. I’m married with two little girls. My wife is pregnant with our third child or she would be with me. You look great.” Their conversation continued. They were joined by Rose and then Richard and Sarah.

  It was just after midnight when the first guests announced they were leaving. Closing the door after the last couple left, Alex turned his attention to Sarah. He put his arms around her waist and gazed into her eyes.

  “This was one of the best nights of my life. Rose told me this celebration was your idea. Thank you. The memories will last in the children’s minds for many years to come, and I enjoyed seeing former friends. I am confident every man in this building was envious when you stood by my side.”

  Leaning toward Sarah, he allowed his lips to touch hers.

  “Alex!” Rose lectured. “There are guests in the next room who would like to speak with the birthday boy.”

  The remaining guests were family members. Alex wasn’t the least bit concerned. “How is it possible you still possess miserable timing?”

  “How is it possible a shy man insists upon a public display of affection?”

  “I’m simply displaying my appreciation,” he boasted with pride.

  “Everyone in the next room would be pleased to accept an invitation to an event where a husband is expected to kiss his bride.”

  Sarah’s attention shifted to the floor.

  “Although we refer to Sarah as Auntie Sarah to my children, she isn’t,” Rose continued.

  Alex stared at the floor. Hs cheeks burned. Prickly heat went down his neck into his back. His life with Sarah was not his sister’s concern.

  “Alex,” Rose continued. “Please tell me you’ve told Sarah you love her.”

  How humiliating. Even Rose is aware of that misunderstanding.

  Sarah nodded.

  “But you haven’t proposed yet?” Rose lectured.

  Richard opened the adjoining door and entered the room.

  “For the love of God, ask Sarah to be your wife,” Rose pleaded.

  “Rose,” Richard called out. “Hush. Their relationship is not your concern. We need to check on our children.” Richard reached for Rose’s hand and pulled her toward the main staircase. “I’m hoping our little angels are sleeping.”

  With his sister working her way up to the second floor, Alex turned to Sarah, placing his hands on her cheek. It had been a perfect day followed by a wonderful evening together. In his mind, the timing was perfect. “I love you, Sarah.”

  “Members of your famil
y are in the next room,” she reminded him. “It would appear rude if the guest of honour did not visit before they retire for the evening.”

  Sarah reached for his hand and together they walked into the adjoining room.

  A half hour later, Vicki and Greg left, followed by Marcus and his family. Papa Stewart and Izabella were yawning when they announced they were retiring for the evening. It was entering into the early hours of the morning when Alex walked Matthew, Tessa, and their spouses to the door. Returning to the eating area, his favourite piece was playing. He turned up the gramophone and looked at Sarah. Smiling, she met him on the dance floor. Richard and Rose followed their lead as did his parents. Holding Sarah in his arms, Alex tilted his head toward her and caressed her lips with tender kisses.

  “Alex,” Sarah whispered. “Your parents and sister are in the room.”

  “Uh huh,” he mumbled in agreement. He attempted to continue.

  “They are witnessing….”

  “Uh hum,” he mumbled again. “I love you.” He caressed the side of her neck with kisses.

  “Your brother shocks me.” Alex heard Richard say to Rose. “He is the shyest man I know, yet look at him. I admire him. In his mind, they are alone in the world.”

  “Kiss me,” Rose pleaded.

  “Here?”

  From the corner of Alex’s eye he saw his sister stretch up and give her husband a tender kiss on his lips. Richard did not attempt to avoid it.

  “It is pleasing to see both Alex and Rose happy,” he heard his momma say to his poppa.

  “Raised in a home filled with love, I expected nothing less.”

  “I expected Alex to marry Sarah,” his momma admitted.

  He shifted their position slightly so he could see his parents. His poppa had raised his eyebrows, his way of warning Momma to hush.

  “Hope, your lips must remain sealed on the topic.”

  “I love you, Adam.” She reached up and kissed him.

  “You were concerned my family would witness our kiss, yet, look.” He pointed toward his family.