Only in Paradise

by Michelle Monkou

She sighed. Everything had been going so well. Once again she’d stepped knee deep into a big mess.

  “Athena, got a minute?” Collin had returned without Mrs. Fuentes.

  “Sure.” She wished that she could answer in the negative.

  “I’d like to take you somewhere for about an hour.”

  “Where?” She stopped in her tracks, unsure about what Collin wanted and how she should respond. For all she knew, he wanted to take her to the airport.

  “I want to introduce you to the lives of some of the students. You’ve seen them on our turf, but I think it’s important to see them in their neighborhoods.” He paused. “Interested?”

  Athena nodded, still not convinced that she wasn’t going to get a dressing down from Collin.

  She followed him out the building to his car instead of the truck. The close confines placed her inches away from Collin. If it wasn’t humid, she’d request the windows to be opened. Instead she had to deal with the soft scent of Collin’s cologne. She adjusted the vents to allow the air conditioner to cool the effects of sitting next to him.

  “We’re going to drive to the center of the island. This is the largest poor area that a lot of the residents have deep-seated ties no matter where they move. Many move from the middle provinces to the seaside villages for work in the hotels or access to the ships that come in.”

  Athena nodded. She visibly cringed.

  “Don’t let the narrow roads scare you. I’ve been climbing this mountain for many years.” He pushed a button and opened her window. “You can get a good look at the valley below and the numerous cattle farms and cane fields.”

  “This island is so lush. And the various shades of greens are really refreshing.” She breathed in the smell of the rolling hills. “I’m looking forward to getting around to sightsee.”

  “Make sure you go with someone.”

  She nodded. He’d get no argument from her. Cicely’s situation made everyone cautious, even overly so.

  They rounded a sharp curve in the road, barely missing stray goats eating grass. Athena dug her fingers into the dashboard to steady herself. She looked over to Collin, who looked unfazed.

  “We’re entering the Spanish side.” Collin pointed to a faded wooden sign that could have stated anything.

  Immediately Athena noticed the little brightly colored houses separated by fences. The neighborhoods were a mixture of concrete two-story homes and then fell away to wooden structures. A few were made out of the metal sheets in a ramshackle way.

  Roosters strolled around the various yards, lording over their domains. Bands of scrawny dogs barked at the car roaring through the area. Even the people didn’t seem glad to see them.

  “Don’t be alarmed. Most folks around here know about the school.”

  “But they don’t look thrilled to see you.” Athena fought the urge to hit the lock.

  “Some think of me as little more than a traitor because I left here, studied in the States, had a life before returning. I have been accused of being an elitist.”

  “I’m sure some are happy to have you come home to help them,” Athena offered, noting the sad note in his declaration.

  They turned down a side street, heading deeper into the dismal surroundings. Half-naked boys ran down the street, trying to keep pace with their progress.

  Finally Collin pulled up in front of a house. The wood had been painted a bright yellow, but now the faded color peeled away from the structure. Despite the sad appearance, frilly white curtains blew out of the windows.

  “It’s Marigold’s house.”

  “Oh.” They had been driving for thirty minutes.

  “How in the world does Marigold get to the school earlier than most?”

  “Our major problem is transportation. I’m trying to get a designated school bus that will enable pickup and drop-off for anyone on the island who wants to come to our school.”

  “Do the kids use public transportation?”

  “For the most part, they use buses, taxis and, in some cases, they would use a bus and still have to walk a couple miles. Guess it shows that they really want to be at the school.”

  “Yes, they do. They appreciate what you’re offering.”

  Collin stared at her, then exited the car.

  They walked up to the door, but it opened before they got there. Luisa Fuentes stared down at them.

  “Mrs. Fuentes, I wanted to show Athena the surroundings and beauty of the island. But I also wanted you to meet Athena…really get to know her. She needs you to trust her and trust in what she’s doing.”

  Luisa stood with her legs apart, arms crossed at her chest. Her loud lipstick color had been removed. She was dressed in a housedress and ragged slippers. Athena couldn’t recall seeing the woman smile, and wondered if they would be welcomed into the house.

  Marigold emerged from the shadows to stand next to her mother. The resemblance was uncanny—younger version and not-so-young version. While Luisa had dyed her hair a honey blond, Marigold’s hair was still a natural chocolate brown, healthy and thick.

  “Hi, Marigold,” Athena greeted her. She wished that she’d known Collin’s plan. There was no way that she would’ve agreed to come here and be stared down by the mother’s hostile countenance.

  “Marigold, go finish your work.” Her mother’s tone held no room for opposition.

  “Mrs. Fuentes, this is very important,” Collin coaxed.

  “Fine. I’ll talk to Athena—is that your name? You, on the other hand, can go take the clothes that Marigold washed to the big house on Hammons Hill on the French side. It’s due in the next hour.”

  “Sure.”

  “Wait a minute. I need to talk to Collin.” Athena pushed Collin back into the yard, heading to the opening that once had a gate. “What do you think you’re doing?” She forced herself not to shout.

  “I think this will help.”

  “How? Why? This woman can barely tolerate me.”

  “I didn’t plan this, but now that I’ve committed, I think that it will make a difference. I got her to calm down and give you a chance. And that’s because I believed in what you’re doing. But you have to take the baton and do your own thing.”

  Athena let go of his arm as her emotions settled. Why did he have to make sense when she was convinced that he didn’t know what he was doing? That he was over his head. She took a deep breath and headed back to the pinched, stern figure of Luisa.

  “Marigold, get the clothes so Mr. Winslow can take them to the Bouviers. You can go with him. I need to talk to your teacher.”

  Athena entered the tiny living room and took a seat in the corner. Not until Collin and Marigold left did Luisa transfer her attention to her.

  “So what do you think?” Luisa threw up her hands and looked around the room.

  “A very nice home.” Athena didn’t want to play stupid with this woman. She had a shrewdness that life had caused. “Is Marigold your only child?”

  “No. She’s my only child with her father, Pepe. But he decided to go back to his wife.”

  “Oh.”

  “I’m not Mrs. Fuentes. Never have been. I used it to give Marigold peace of mind. I don’t really care what people think.”

  “I understand.”

  Luisa stopped her fidgeting and sized up Athena. “Stay here. I’ll be back.”

  Athena shrugged. As if she was really going to go anywhere. Collin had unceremoniously dumped her in the middle of the island on the side of a mountain in a home of a woman who studied her like a specimen. No, she had no choice but to stay put and say her silent Hail Marys.

  “I brewed tea.” Luisa appeared with a steaming cup.

  In the humid heat, a hot drink wasn’t the ideal choice. But this wasn’t the time to be difficult. Athena reached for the teacup and saucer.

  “I have honey.”

  “Thank you.” Athena spooned in the honey and sipped the liquid. She didn’t know the various flavors of tea, but there was a light, fruity smo
othness that she found refreshing, even if drinking the beverage ignited her internal furnace. She wiped her brow.

  “You’re the first teacher that I’m meeting this way.”

  “Really?” From the impassioned way that Collin spoke, she’d assumed that all the teachers had been brought before Luisa Fuentes and any other parents who had doubts about the school.

  “He’s talked highly of your skills.” Luisa sipped her tea. Her dark, almost black, eyes observing, processing, very intuitive. “Marigold said you’ve been here for a week. And what you’ve done with her in five days is impressive. She now thinks that she wants to be a lawyer, a doctor, even a teacher.” Luisa laughed.

  “I’m glad to hear that.” Athena meant it. “I want to open up their minds to possibilities. Life starts with dreams and hopefully I can give her the skills and drive to make goals and turn it into reality.”

  “What about those who won’t go any further in their lives than as a maid or prostitute? That is common around here.” Luisa leaned forward. “Collin is working by himself. No one cares about what he’s doing.”

  “I can’t guarantee that I can change each child’s life. But I’ve been hired to give equal access to education and that’s what I’m doing. And with regard to Collin, I don’t believe that no one cares. There is no reason for the government to grant him the permit, the visas for the staff and the location for teaching the children if they didn’t want it to be successful.”

  “Collin is from a connected family. When this fails, he may be out a few dollars, but he gets to go back to his cushy lifestyle. And as for that land, the government didn’t give it to him. It doesn’t belong to the government.”

  Athena drained her teacup and wanted to ask for more. This conversation had taken a turn and become more interesting. Hopefully Collin would be gone for another half hour. She didn’t know if Lorraine and Thelma knew all this info on their boss.

  “Collin got the location from our local, resident drug dealer.”

  “He mentioned a little about the circumstance.”

  “Everyone around here knows that.”

  Athena tried not to think about her new home in its true light.

  “Hey, don’t worry. He probably had to do it to keep them off his back. They tend to have their hands in everything on the island.”

  “Why do the people tolerate them?”

  “Well, when you figure out how to separate the bad guys from the good guys, from those who just want to live their lives, let me know.” Luisa held up the teapot for seconds. Athena nodded.

  The two women continued chatting, relaxing their guards and enjoying each other’s company.

  “Did you leave any man back home?”

  Athena shook her head.

  “Why would a young girl like you get deposited on this piece of land? There had to be other viable islands that needed your service with a good supply of bachelors.”

  “Blame it on my desire to do something worthwhile with my life. My grandmother recently died after a long fulfilling life. Teaching runs in the family. I used to work in the financial industry but got out of that because greed didn’t sit well with me.”

  “Don’t you want a family? I know that I’m not a stellar example of family and stability, but I have no regrets.”

  “It hasn’t crossed my mind,” Athena lied, but pushed aside her conscience. She didn’t know Luisa from an hour ago. How could she talk about her most intimate feelings?

  Seeking the company of a man or defining her worth by a man wasn’t going to happen. Athena had had casual relationships at college. And now out of university, there were the Happy Hour invites or trolling the bars for a sexy guy. But no one had managed to really capture her interest. She didn’t feel hopeless. Instead she focused on her career.

  “I can see from your face that I’ve crossed the line with you.” Luisa laughed. “My mother used to be so uptight about sex. She wouldn’t talk and I couldn’t ask. I went elsewhere for my lessons in life. Now I’ve learned to say what I want.” She sat back in the chair when the door opened. “You should try it sometime.”

  “We’re back.” Marigold took a seat next to her mother.

  “And if you need a place to think about it, go to the Falls.”

  “The Falls?” Athena asked.

  “Fontaine de Jeune. Fountain of Youth,” Marigold piped up.

  “It’s on the French side. It’s a wonderful place to clear the head.” Luisa placed an arm around her daughter’s waist.

  “Mr. Winslow is waiting in the car,” Marigold reported.

  Athena had wondered where he was. She hurriedly thanked Luisa for the tea and more important the tentative branch of friendship. Having entered the house with trepidation, she now exited with a lighter mood.

  The first week had rolled through with lots of bumps and bruises. Since then, life had taken a turn for the consistent, heading toward one month under her belt. Although the classes with the girls were going along in a healthy clip, the chance to be alone with Collin wasn’t happening.

  After the trip to Luisa’s home, he had made no further offers to show her the island. But that didn’t stop her from hopping on an island tour bus when she got the opportunity to visit the three major provinces. Bit by bit, she grew more comfortable and ready to call this place home for the near future. She was sure her sorority sisters noticed the change of heart in her long letters to them.

  “Hey, what are you doing out here? We’re planning to hit the movies again.” Cicely plopped down next to Athena.

  “Writing to my sister. I really miss her. I’m hoping that she can come and visit.”

  “How old is your sister?”

  “She’s my twin. Asia is her name. This is the first time that we’ve been apart for such a long time. I’m used to her being there listening to my rants.” She looked over to Cicely. “How about yourself? Siblings?”

  “Yeah. I have four sisters.” She laughed at Athena’s surprise. “We drove our parents crazy. Then after my parents divorced, I decided that it was time for me to work out my own life’s plan. I’m the third. The divorce was ugly. And my youngest sister was in the middle of a custody battle. I was given the option by the judge because I was almost an adult. I chose to stay with my mother, mainly to help her with my sister. But I couldn’t handle the anger and bitterness. My little sister ended up going to live with our eldest sister. Our mother is living with my grandparents and is enrolled in a day program because of her depression.”

  “Wow.” Athena had gotten closer to Cicely. She treasured the woman’s friendship. “Do you write?”

  “We exchange an e-mail or two.” She pointed to the pink-colored stationery in Athena’s hand. “I’m not a letter type of person.”

  “I like writing e-mails. But sometimes I enjoy writing a letter the old-fashioned way because it’s more personal. It frees my mind and my emotions. It’s sort of like a gift that I’m presenting.”

  “That’s sweet.” Cicely gave her back a comforting rub. “I’ll let you get back to your sister. I’m going to head out with the others.”

  Athena nodded. She enjoyed the quiet as everyone went their separate ways to spend the weekend. After she wrote the letter, she folded the paper and stuffed it in the matching envelope.

  The TV didn’t interest her nor did sitting on the porch with a book. In her room, she opened her drawer and pulled out her swimsuit. Luisa’s advice about going to the waterfall hadn’t slipped her mind. Finding enough time to while away at a waterfall hadn’t happened, until today.

  Grabbing the keys to one of the school vans, Athena jumped in with a small basket of goodies and beach towel. With the map opened on the passenger seat, she started on her way to the place that promised to provide her answers about life.

  “Fontaine de Jeune, here I come.”

  Chapter 8

  Athena followed the winding trail that paralleled the coastline. On one side, the ocean rolled onto the sandy beach. On the other side of the
road, the rocky landscape rose sharply. Finally she saw signs to the destination and took the turn as directed.

  No one else appeared to be visiting the area. No cars had passed her for the past mile. The trees grew long and straight, towering over her with lush, verdant foliage. She looked up through the windshield, feeling comfortable that at least she could view the sky.

  She approached the edge of a large opening, a parting of the thick forest very much like a biblical parting. The waterfall, the centerpiece of natural wonder, crashed over layers of rocks until it emptied into a lake. Athena stopped the car, not waiting one more minute to enjoy the beauty. The beauty had to be admired close and without the obstruction of a windowpane.

  The terrain roughened with large boulders jutting up from the ground and tree roots that curled from their base. Athena walked ahead, turning in a complete circle to take in the panoramic view. Ahead was the freshwater lake.

  “This is so damn beautiful!” She threw up her hands to the sky, too overcome with what a small part she played in nature’s garden.

  The water glistened under the sunlight as if diamonds floated on its surface. She pulled out her brochure to read about this body of water. The locals considered the water to have healing powers, a place for rejuvenation, a place to renew the spirit. Scientists had carried out various tests on the waters, not sure how the quality remained pure.

  Athena was game to find out if the findings were true. She surveyed the area, already deciding that she’d take a dip in the water. Not that she had anything physically wrong to be healed. Well, if she counted that her thoughts couldn’t stop circling around one man. But she needed more than sparkling water to assist with that problem. She needed the chutzpah to go after what she wanted.

  Nothing could convince her that Collin wasn’t interested. She was sure that’s why he went out of his way to stay away from her.

  She wound her way along the edge of the lake. Following the creek to a quieter spot away from the strong current near the waterfall, she discovered a cove where the water gently rolled toward a small sandy beach.

  A deafening clap of thunder ripped through the air. A rain shower in the middle of the day wasn’t unusual. The downpour came without warning. The shower felt as if someone took a bucket and emptied its contents until everything was drenched. She was used to the unpredictable nature of the rain showers and didn’t mind the soaking. In a few minutes, she planned to be shoulder deep in the water.