Ignoring his imperious mien, Toni looked up and said, “I don’t like to be ordered around but having said that, yes, I would like to attend.”
“Of course you would!” said Hugh jubilantly as his eyebrows sprung up revealing startled success. “Splendid! I am not ordering you! I cannot command you! Why do you insinuate that…? Has Mishael demanded your attendance? Most probably! Yes, I suppose he has but he is not king yet and you are not on D’Almata soil, so on and so forth. Pay him no heed until he is king although that will not be for a good many years yet.”
Hugh was giddy. “Splendid! But, I notice you have said nothing about your own birthday… Your gift that you did not receive from me.” Toni looked at him.
Gift? Uh, oh. This is where her apathy towards birthday dates, parties and gifts left her in a social conundrum. Although, she had thanked people and sent some cards of appreciation out, Toni did not realize that Hugh hadn’t given her a present. She decided to proceed circumspectly.
“I thought your arranging of such a fine party was my gift,” she said taking her infamous partial truth strategy.
Hugh’s eyebrows went up and came down as he said, “Oh?” He paused and then said, “We from the Adriatic Islands celebrate differently than you in the West. The host of an event does not consider it a gift to call together friends for a meal or as we Christians say, for ‘fellowship.’”
He straightened again and his hands clasped behind his back. “I have a gift for you but I cannot decide whether to give it to you before tomorrow when I leave or when you come to D’Almata. Maybe you would help me to decide?”
The conversation was headed somewhere and from Hugh’s stance she knew it was significant. Hugh was shrewd. He was saved but certainly not yet sanctified. The idea that this gift-giving plan was a part of his agenda since her birthday party crossed her mind. Toni said, “D’Almata has different customs than America, as you already conceded. Perhaps, it would be better to wait until after Mishael’s special occasion, as our focus should be on him and this pivotal birthday. My own birthday has come and gone. Waiting a few more weeks for your gift should not be too difficult for me.”
“So you think I should wait until you arrive on the illustrious shores of D’Almata? But then there will be weeks of festivities… You may be able to wait but I don’t think I can!” Hugh responded, and a chuckle followed.
Toni pointed to the house. It was in sight and they made for it through the soft sand. She laughed gently. “But Hugh, you asked me to help you decide! Surely, you can wait to give me this mysterious gift. This is the first I have heard of it... Besides, your weeks of silence have already shown remarkable patience.”
He was quiet again.
Toni noticed the banner on the redwood deck was completely lifeless. Mishael wouldn’t be tempted to surf today. A swim possibly and maybe some paddling about but there was no swell.
Hugh finally said, “Yes, Toni you are always insightful. I see what you mean. I thought all women want a gift two days early but you… You are patient to the extreme and willing to wait.” He opened the kitchen door. Breakfast was cooking with Rifta as chef.
Afterward, Hugh and Mishael worked on organizing their personal belongings while Rifta and Toni arranged the greater assortment of luggage goods.
Rifta helped Toni gift wrap the Plastic Fantastic and then bubble-wrap it too. She had decided to give it to Mishael as a birthday gift.
“Rifta, be sure you separate it from the other luggage that comes after you arrive. I don’t want it to be stuffed away in a forgotten storage room somewhere. I would like the prince to have it for his actual birthday or before,” she told him. Rifta said he would make sure it didn’t get misplaced in the confusion of arriving, unpacking and planning for the “big party.”
Most of the day was used preparing for the send off the following morning. After returning from the airport on Tuesday, Dianna Cliff was due to pick up the house keys from Toni.
They drove into Wilmington for a farewell meal at the same restaurant that they had eaten at on the 4th of July. No one talked about Toni’s mishap with her would-be abductors but they talked about fireworks. Mishael hoped there would be plenty at his birthday party. Hugh assured him there would be. They discussed surfing and where the closest surf spot to D’Almata might be… apparently, along the Croatian coast. Lastly, the talk centered on time and how much was needed to get to the airport in the morning.
Last Chapter
The extra baggage, much of which Toni never saw put to use and also the same pile that sat in front of the big screen TV up until her birthday party, when Hugh had Rifta move it to the garage – would be picked up by an airport shipping van later Tuesday morning. But now, they had returned the Mercedes to the car rental lot and then Toni parked the other rental. Going into the terminal, she wanted to say good-bye. Her sunglasses were at the ready in case the tears decided to make an uncomfortable showing. She had all but promised to attend Mishael’s birthday bash and with that “almost” commitment, she decided she would be seeing them in less than a week.
No reason to cry now! Put it off for a few weeks!
Their luggage was checked and the three men were standing restlessly in a row. Rifta got a hug and a peck on the cheek. “God bless you Rifta Smart Guy,” she said. She put on sunglasses and he put on his. After hugging Mishael, Toni said, “Your Dad hired a nanny but you got a friend.” She gave him a kiss on the cheek. “You are always in my prayers,” she added and he nodded solemnly.
Looking at Mishael, Hugh said, “Please, go with Rifta. I’ll see you on the other side of security.” Toni was busy rebuking her tears with a tissue. She dabbed her eyes after pushing her sunglasses to the top of her head. She watched Mishael and Rifta disappear up the escalator and then she looked to Hugh. The area around the left eye was bluish but with a tinge of yellow from the garage brawl. His eyebrows went up and then down, expectantly.
Perhaps, he too wants a hug and a kiss?
Toni stuck out her hand and said, “Well, Cousin Huram it’s been an extraordinary summer wouldn’t you say?” It seemed only his eyebrows replied. Grinning, she conceded and dropped her hand.
“That is better. Yes, it was a superb summer. The best in my life I would have to admit even though I experienced plenty of great summers right there on D’Almata.” Again she lifted her lips, smiling; this time at his boasting. He smiled too.
“Now business… I have to get through security so on and so forth,” he said and he took from his sports jacket pocket a card. It was a credit card in a sleeve. Hugh handed it to her saying, “I remember telling you to bring your happy daughter and the pretty one and your other family members as well. Although, I did not order you to come I realize I was extreme in my encouragement and so on and so forth. My invitation includes your travel expenses. I should have mentioned that previously but I didn’t consider it until this morning.”
Toni instinctually put her hand out again but just as swift, she withdrew it without taking his card. “Hugh, that isn’t necessary. I don’t think any of my family can make it – even Merry starts back to college soon. I had already considered the costs and I am willing to pay my own way… but thank you for your thoughtful generosity. Very kind of you but no,” she said emphatically. Toni was caught off guard by his offer and this time when his eyebrows reacted, she didn’t smile.
“Of course. But this is how we do it on the islands,” Hugh said. “Also, the occasion is distinctly formal and you will have to do some unforeseen shopping for the lovely things your gender wears to such events and we cannot expect you to bear the cost for our social demands. Besides, now that you have promised to come, I am commanding you use this card for your expenses.” He firmly but gently pulled Toni close, turning her about so the essential bag hanging from her shoulder was easily accessible. He put the card in the cell phone pocket and snapped the clasp shut.
“Hugh!” Toni said but she didn’t struggle.
He said, “Now that the bu
siness is over it is time to say farewell.” He turned her again towards him and brought up the silver box from his trouser pocket. “You helped me decide that it would be better to give you my gift before the festivities begin next week and so, here it is.”
This wasn’t the first time this morning that Toni gazed on the obvious ring box.
Had he truly planned to give me this back in June on my birthday?
She looked at him. An uncertain joy played about her mouth. His eyebrows were calm while a slight smile peeked from under his mustache. He was sure of himself now – in June he wasn’t. She licked her lips nervously.
Is it my imagination or is everything and everyone about us moving in slow motion?
“Well, now…” she began.
“Nonsense! Open it and see what you have there. It isn’t a gorilla, I can assure you – He wouldn’t fit into that tiny casing… but maybe for your next birthday.” Hugh taunted her.
Toni took the ornate box and opened it. Against black velvet shone a magnificent emerald ring. The stone was the largest she had ever seen… Perhaps, there was a larger emerald somewhere on the planet but she had never seen it! The radiant green gem was set by itself in an exquisite design of silver metal.
Toni snapped the box shut.
She liked Hugh. But still, this was “ludicrous.”
“I must go. Please, put it on,” Hugh insisted. She reopened the box and took the ring out.
Strange… I never liked rings but I do like this one. It’s perfect. Once on her ring finger, she extended her forearm giving them a better view of the striking band.
“Gorgeous! Exquisitely gorgeous,” she breathed.
Hugh’s lips twitched with pride and appreciation in his effort to quash an undignified grin. He took her trembling hand and moved it about, eyeing the ring on her finger. It was loose. An urge to draw her hand to his lips was resisted. Hugh knew she was as timid as a kitten.
“You like it then,” he said. “Splendid. I thought you would, otherwise I would not have sent for it. It needs to be fitted. It seems Grandmama had larger fingers than you. Put it on a chain around your neck but don’t have it sized over here – and that is an order. I have a superb jeweler who knows about this sort of thing.”
Hugh tilted her head up and gave her a peck on the forehead. “Happy birthday, dear one,” he whispered. Toni was speechless and her eyes wet. He smiled and she nodded. A tremor cascaded from her head to her knees as she wondered if this handsome foreigner was going to kiss her. He didn’t but pulling her sunglasses down and then adjusting them to her face, he strolled past her toward the escalator.
Toni looked at the ring. Refusing to look back, she went forward. She realized she needed to make some phone calls. Dale first as he was the eldest, but also because he worried for her the most of her three children; then Kate and Merry. Next, Pastor Miles in Santa Fe and then finally she would need to call her parents. Oh, how they pleaded with her to let Vance go to Africa without her and the children, she remembered. That was over 20 years ago and D’Almata was not Africa. But once again, this road called Life seemed to making another momentous turn. She had been young then and now she was… Well, she wasn’t old but merely older. Toni mused, I thought I was old but I see I am in my prime. My health is excellent – thank God. My mind is sound – most of the time. My sense of humor – adequate. My relationship with God - a treasure trove…
It was muggy outside already. She crossed the lot to the Escalade. Once inside the car, with the aircon performing she replayed the earlier morning events.
Walking down one last time, Toni had stood barefoot in the wet sand and looked at the morning predawn horizon. Like the morning before, Venus was there glimmering glamorously. She was satisfied with the accomplishments of the summer. Praying, Toni thanked God for his abundant provision. Once back inside with a cup of Kenyan tea steaming before her at the counter, she watched across the room and out the picture window, the sunrise.
When Hugh came downstairs a few minutes later, Toni wore a Mona Lisa smile as she leaned upon the counter apparently day-dreaming. A surreal morning sunlight lit the rooms. He looked toward the french doors and the east facing windows expecting to see some sight that had set such an enigmatic smile on her face. He saw that the horizon was spectacular.
Hugh turned to her and asked, “Mysterious smile! I don’t think it is the sunrise but what is this quiet smile all about? Are you thinking about Mishael riding his winning wave on your orange board?”
Sighing with satisfaction, she looked at him and gave a shake of her head, answering, “No.” She took a sip of her tea while the inscrutable calm remained in her eyes.
Hugh’s eyebrows shifted up and then down again as he said, “Ah, it was Rifta getting baptized with us Sunday night!” Toni didn’t say anything but his eyebrows made her grin wide with teeth showing as she shook her head to answer no.
Hugh said, “Hmmm… I suppose, it isn’t this gift in my pocket as I could not give it to you on your birthday… You were too exhausted, as I recall.” He looked down to his right hand which had retrieved a tiny and silver box from his bluejean pocket. When he looked up, Toni’s mischievous grin seemed frozen and her eyes glistened.
He said, “Ah, yes I do remember! And I know what is making you smile, too!” Hugh winked at her and said, “You are thinking about the first time we met.”
The End… of the beginning on a scenic route to paradise.
Merry’s Marauders (#2 ~ Scenic Route to Paradise)
Chapter 1 – Blinded by the Light
Lenny doing dawn patrol, stood on the hard wet sand, looking east. He couldn’t believe his eyes. The water before him was as smooth as ice. The swell was head high, being held up by a moderate offshore. Lenny could feel the breeze on his back. For a moment, he thought to look around to see how his surfing buddies were responding to these ideal conditions in the morning twilight but he found he couldn’t take his eyes from the ocean before him. Running with his board gripped beneath his right arm, he headed for the best day of surfing he hoped to ever experience. Lenny had never been barreled but he knew-that-he-knew this was the day.
He was surprised how quickly he paddled through the impact zone and suddenly the set was upon him... In fact, Lenny realized he hadn’t even seen the three huge waves, that is, the set coming in. Odd? He scrambled into position to catch the second, idyllic wave speeding toward shore but that was when Lenny noticed he had grabbed the wrong board! His old board? How had he grabbed the wrong board? He hadn’t used this board in years. In fact, hadn’t he given this board to his kid sister, Nikki more than a dozen years before? He had! Cursing his stupidity, Lenny decided to make the best of the situation. He began to drop in.
Everything was happening so fast but he was in complete control and he realized if he followed through just right, he would be in the tube. Lenny started to stand up and then a bright flash... What was that? Sunrise? The sun was due to pop over the horizon at any moment. And yet now, it was dark, deathly quiet. His surfing bros had told him it was like that when inside the rolling wave. Maybe he had been barreled? He opened his eyes...
Lenny was tubed all right. He was wrapped like a burrito in sheets and a motel bedspread. He groaned. Lenny wouldn’t be surfing today. He was 500 miles from everywhere in the high desert city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. And then the boom-boom-booming started.
The halfway house was a geographical misfit. Santa Feans are a tolerant bunch. Still, the neighborhood was middle class with most houses owned by professionals or upper middle class retirees but as long as the housemates kept a low profile, not causing any problems in the small community of 20 plus homes, all was well.
Agnes Merriweather - age 21 and known simply as Merry, answered her iphone. Mrs. Ortiz lived across the street from the house and she was calling again.
“Merry, I watched you come and go over there yesterday but I suppose you didn’t see the little fellow that has been hanging out with the girls... Actually, I think t
hey have him staying there too and he cannot be much older than 9 or 10 years of age,” she told Merry.
Merry had been at the halfway home yesterday. She was planning a trip overseas and she wanted to make sure that everyone at the house understood “the drill”.
It had been six months since the 4 bedroom was donated to the Santa Fe Christian Assembly and six months since she had started a halfway home for women just released from the county jail under the guardianship of her local church. It had been six months of hassles, headaches and exasperation... or so it seemed to Merry.
At 70 years old and a recent widow, Emily Ortiz was a busy body and yet, Merry found her to be refreshingly empathetic. She nurtured a lot of compassion for “Merry’s girls” as Mrs Ortiz called them. Her eyes kept more than a few minor incidents from turning into major aggravations for Merry.
The present dilemma was complicated in that Merry was preparing for an extended trip abroad, but also she was packing up her mother’s stuff which was being sent overseas to the same remote destination. She had taken Mrs. Ortiz’s call as she drove south toward the Albuquerque airport to pick up a man who was sent by her mother to help Merry and also, to act as Merry’s travel escort for her trip.
Mac D’Almata or more precisely, Malak of Almata was captain of the guard to the royal house of D’Almata. Merry had met him briefly last autumn when she and her mother visited the island nation in the Adriatic Sea. Now he was assigned to assist Merry, eventually escorting her to D’Almata which was not an easy task for even a seasoned traveler.
Malak was waiting on the curb outside of the international baggage claim. He was just as handsome, and lean and dark as she remembered him, along with his inscrutable smile. She hadn’t expected Mac but another emissary; a Bosnian named Rifta who she knew somewhat better. At the last minute Rifta was laid out with influenza and accordingly, the envoy was to be Malak.
Cynic, Surfer, Saint (Scenic Route to Paradise #1) Page 21
