Seven Days Away

by Ruth Hay

  Wesley nodded, then decided to take a chance. Given the urgency of the situation there was no point in delaying.

  “Professor Beck, I have an unusual tactic to suggest for your approval.”

  “Yes?”

  “You haven’t met my wife yet. She is the CEO of a world-famous cosmetics company. Her skill with makeovers is amazing. Zoe has offered to give a session to Portia in hopes it would make her feel more positive about herself. I believe it could help.”

  “That is unusual as a therapy device, my boy! And yet, we are in a very unusual situation here.”

  He paused and stroked his high forehead with that long, narrow-fingered hand. Wesley noticed a slight shaking in those fingers.

  “Would your wife be willing to meet with Portia later today? We could gauge whether Portia would respond to her presence and decide on the next move, subsequent to that introduction?”

  “Oh, of course! an eminently sensible idea, sir!”

  The sound of a toilet flushing, alerted the men to Portia’s imminent arrival. They arranged themselves in adjacent chairs, ready to welcome their patient. Wesley was planning to return to the story of Dunstan’s Close which had previously interested the young woman. This time he would emphasize his wife’s skill with colour and pattern which would also serve to introduce his wife to Portia and possibly awaken an interest in meeting her. He would start with the story of Zoe’s addiction to wearing only black and white when he first met her and how she had added colour as her life expanded.

  * * *

  Megan and Maurice Anderson could just about hear the chatter of voices and the coming and going in the main apartment on the other side of their suite’s closed doors. They were only vaguely aware of this. Their entire concentration was on each other and the deeply painful and honest discussion they were having. It had started the night before and halted for a necessary hour or two of sleep, then commenced again before dawn.

  The tears were over. The recriminations passed. The shock had dissipated and the rock-bottom bare facts were finally exposed.

  They had made mistakes as parents. Portia’s present condition was the result. Somewhere in the dark hours, Maurice had confessed to his wanton spending and been forgiven. Megan had promised to fight her obsession with her legal firm and reduce her working hours. Maurice pledged to stop gambling and seek professional help if she wiped away his debts. Their lives would have to change drastically to accomplish all this but at the moment it was as nothing compared to the shame each felt. Penance must be done to expunge their errors and they were willing.

  Completely wiped out by the night of confession and expiation, they had only each other to depend on.

  They fell into an exhausted sleep and when they awoke to the sound of rain on the balcony it was to the hope their past errors had been washed away and a new beginning was possible.

  They donned the comforting towelling robes and staggered out of the bedroom to be met by Terrence and Jillian. There was an awkward moment while each pair wondered what the other knew.

  Jillian took one look at Megan’s untidy hair and swollen face and knew she was devastated by what had happened to her only daughter.

  “Right, you two! We are on kitchen duty today and you look like you need a nourishing breakfast, or brunch, if you prefer. Terry has found some sports program on the big TV. Go on in with him Maurice, and Megan will help me here.”

  Jillian knew, instinctively, that her sister-in-law would want to talk. The men would share some small amount of what had developed since last night and keep on looking at the TV while they conversed, but Jillian and Megan would have a face-to-face, mother’s heart-to-heart in the kitchen for the very first time in their lives.

  * * *

  Commonly called ‘The Hot House’ because of the hard sell tactics employed there, the building set aside by the Mexican owners of the resort was no less appealing than other special activity places.

  Marian’s group was welcomed in and settled at an indoor table near the splendid views. Drinks were provided and pleasant conversation about the weather report and the return of sunshine in the afternoon was delivered, along with gentle enquiries about the policy-holder’s life in Canada.

  Devon listened carefully. He could see that his grandmother was the focus of this event. The questions, issued by a very attractive young Mexican woman, were intended to reveal her financial status and whether any future changes to the couple’s current holdings were likely.

  His sisters soon lost interest in this business conversation and started a whispered exchange about the bare facts their grandmother had told them regarding the Portia situation.

  “Gran said ‘breakdown’. That’s serious, am I right?”

  “Sounds like it to me. Her mother’s no prize. No wonder Gramps is looking after her. I think he’s deliberately keeping her away from the M&Ms.”

  “Makes you feel sorry for Portia and I never thought I’d ever say that!”

  “Yup! Our parents look good compared to hers.”

  “You speak true, sister. In fact, ours seem to be getting along much better lately.”

  “Look, how long do you think we have to stay here? I’m bored already.”

  “Hmm. Let’s hang on until the rain clears, then we can go to that pool Gran mentioned.”

  “Sounds OK to me! I think Devon will stick around with Gran and leave us free to go.”

  When the financial discussion moved to the ‘work it out on paper’ phase, Abigail and Louise took their leave. Devon was enjoying his third free coke and waiting for a promised video. He understood little about the detail of the discussion, other than that his grandmother was being advised to do some kind of trade and upgrade. When she stated, firmly, that she could not make a decision without her husband’s approval, the first attractive young woman was replaced by a second version and the two Becks were transferred to a room with a large screen. While they waited for the room to fill up, Devon looked around at the newcomers. Most were older couples or groups of men or women who were of a similar age. These groups Devon had seen around the resort. In his estimation, they were sharing a large rented apartment and splitting the costs. He realized anew how lucky he was to get this opportunity.

  In no way could he have afforded even a share of one of these luxury apartments.

  * * *

  The video was introduced as a future theme park development for the resort, occupying a large area near the sea and planned in stages, using the latest high-tech devices. It began with a map showing a railway extension from the present resort and a huge entrance accessible by water and road so outsiders could also enjoy the facilities. Just about at the point where the features of the park were being shown, Devon’s grandmother fell asleep and Devon woke up all his senses.

  This theme park idea was cutting edge. Most video games could not approach the level of advanced technology he was seeing on the screen. It was like a blend of an Avatar movie and an exotic Cirque du Soleil performance where the visitors were actually interacting with the digitally-produced characters. The rides were equally advanced and the water effects amazing. There were Moon and Star centres and the whole was wrapped in a natural setting of palm trees and gorgeous plants. Even to Devon’s discerning eyes it was difficult to tell what was real and what was manufactured.

  He was mesmerized. This idea was streets ahead of anything he had seen online in Canada. He tried to absorb every single piece of it but was glad to stay for a second showing while his grandmother slept by his side.

  An employee came to ask if they were all right. It must have been unusual for anyone to wait after the first viewing. Devon took this chance to ask which companies were involved in the new development and was pleased to hear that American Silicone Valley and Hollywood experts were on side. The second viewing revealed even more and Devon was soon trying to capture stills on his iPhone. He did not make any video records, as this would undoubtedly be frowned upon, but he had enough to share with his team at home
so they could experience some of his excitement.

  Marian Beck woke up refreshed. She never knew she had missed two whole video screenings but her grandson seemed to be happy and they soon set off together, in brilliant sunshine, to the private pool with the iguana island in the middle, where the girls should be waiting for them. Marian hardly gave a thought to what might be happening back at her apartment. It was out of her hands now and she was beginning to enjoy herself for the first time in days. Devon was a good companion, quiet, but watchful of her safety. She could not know how fast his mind was working on a brand new project for his team.

  * * *

  Eyes Only for Curtis Soames from Abigail Beck.

  Outside the Nuevo Vallarta resort is a whole other world. Cars and trucks move at an extraordinary pace.

  Sidewalks are broken in places and crossing from one to another is dangerous.

  Supervision on resort-sponsored trips is minimal. Papers must be signed to free the resort management of all responsibilities.

  I did not see anyone in actual danger during the excursion but that was from good luck rather than good safety provisions. There were two small children with their parents but most people on the trip were older. The journey to the island was over open water and it was colder with no shelter on board. Those who had not brought extra layers were noticeably shivering although one man spoke to me about other excursions where he was out in the sun for hours without adequate water or rest.

  The issue of security of belongings arose when swimmers were in the water. The trip itinerary

  included a chance to buy lunch so everyone would have some cash or cards with them.

  Theft outside the resort has to be considered. Holidaymakers always look different from the local population and it is a temptation to some Mexicans living on the edge of poverty.

  What I am suggesting is that when the occasional murder occurs, it is likely a robbery gone wrong.

  In general, the resort itself feels safe. I was glad to get back there safely.

  The entire resort area is like another planet where all is perfect. No leaf is allowed to lie on the ground. Pools are scoured at night by men in diving gear! An army of servers ensures everything is happy for the visitors. Never a harsh word or raised voice to be heard.

  It’s an artificial world severed from an economically depressed country. The ratio of workers to visitors must be huge. There have to be three full, eight-hour shifts of workers to accomplish it all in one day. I haven’t spotted the facility that copes with the massive amount of laundry created here every day, but it will be a production factory in itself.

  The grounds are constantly under excavation to enlarge the resort and a whole new Disney-type entertainment is to come in a few years.

  One wonders how much of this bounty funnels back to the average Mexican family.

  That could be the focus for the article.

  * * *

  When Devon and Marian joined his sisters at the exclusive pool by the beach, the two girls were eager to show them the iguana family that occupied the round island in the centre of the pool. Like all the resort pools this one was only four feet deep allowing Louise to stand in the water and take close-up photos. She encouraged Devon to jump in the pool and wade around to the beach side where the females were presided over by a large green male who had climbed to the top of the tall palm tree.

  “It’s like he’s looking out to sea for invaders. What do you think he would do, Dev, if anyone threatened his harem?”

  “Abi, I hope he wouldn’t jump into the water while I‘m in here. He’s ferocious looking with that big ruff around his neck.”

  “Oh, don’t fret little brother! We would protect you.”

  This comment resulted in a splashing match that caused the male iguana to turn his attention to their antics. He remained on high to Louise’s relief, and she walked to the exit steps and joined her grandmother who had happily settled in a vacant four-poster cabana with adjustable hangings. They were soon offered towels and a choice of cooling popsicles, by a handsome young attendant. Louise licked her strawberry ice and draped herself in thick towels to dry off.

  Marian initiated conversation with her granddaughter by asking how she was managing, sharing a bed with her sister.

  “No problem, Gran. It’s a king size pull-out and believe me, it’s such a luxury to be surrounded by such clean, orderly space. Those two maids clean the entire apartment every day and change towels every time they are used. In my life that would be a miracle. The students I share with have no sense of responsibility about trivial things like clean dishes and laundry and private space. It’s really stressful at times.”

  Marian got a sense of how difficult it must be to be an unemployed student obliged to live like this. Louise’s life could not be easy. She was glad this holiday was providing relief for a few days.

  “Gran, what do you think is happening back at the apartment? It seemed quite tense when we left earlier in the day. And who was that tall, handsome, male type you ushered upstairs when I was barely awake?”

  “Louise, which of your questions do you wish me to answer?”

  “Well, both of them, if possible, Gran. I am sure you know much more than we do.”

  Thinking she knew too much for her own comfort and that this conversation was so strange in such a lovely place, Marian began.

  “I don’t know what’s going on back there at the moment. I do know your grandfather and his colleague are trying to break through to Portia using a kind of talk therapy. If they can get her to talk to them and confide some of her deep insecurities, it will be a way to help her get back to normal thinking.”

  “Is it as easy as that?”

  “Not at all, Louise! This is a long process. The talk part is only the beginning. Poor Portia has a long way to go, I’m afraid.”

  “I have to say, she has not been my favourite person in the world but I feel sorry this has happened, whatever the ‘this’ is?”

  “I can’t give you more detail, Louise. It’s enough that you know how seriously your grandfather and I are treating the situation.”

  “But, what about the…” Louise stopped on the verge of calling them the M&Ms, “… the Andersons? How are they feeling about their daughter being spirited away upstairs?”

  Marian closed her eyes for a moment to allow her to adjust to the abrupt conversational style of the young generation.

  “There have been problems, but I am sure things will turn around now they understand the severity of Portia’s condition.”

  Louise saw she would have to be content with this reply. Her grandmother was not going to be more specific about Megan Anderson’s deficits as a mother. It was a matter of family loyalty. She would have to change the subject.

  “So, where did this colleague person spring from?”

  This was safer ground for Marian. She began by describing her first meeting with Zoe Morton by the Al Fresco pool and then their second meeting with her husband, Wesley.

  “The amazing coincidence was when I mentioned your grandfather’s name and Dr. Philips suddenly made the connection to a professor he had long admired. From there things moved along swiftly and your grandfather is very glad to have Wesley Philips’ help.”

  “How did his wife feel about her husband being dragged away from their holiday?”

  Once again, Marian shuddered inside at Louise’s blunt question but Zoe was an easy person to talk about compared to the other topics.

  “I hope you and Abigail get a chance to meet Zoe. She is quite the most beautiful and charming person I have encountered in many years. I am sure she would not object to her husband helping out, especially when he has such a high regard for your grandfather. Zoe Morton is much too generous a woman to…..”

  “Wait! You said Zoe Morton? She’s this doctor’s wife? Really?”

  “Do you know her, Louise?” Marian blinked at this interruption. Would she ever understand the manners of her grandchildren’s generation? Of th
e three Becks, Devon was the easiest to deal with.

  “I wish! She’s recently been named Executive Woman of the Year. Abi told me about her. Wait till she hears the famous and private Zoe Morton is staying in our building with her husband! Abi will be over the moon!”

  Louise jumped up and ran to the edge of the pool, trailing towels.

  “Abi! Come here right now! I have something amazing to tell you!”

  * * *

  Marian Beck was glad to arrive back at the apartment. It had been a long day.

  As soon as the main door opened, the aroma of spicy Mexican food surrounded her group.

  Terrence and Jillian had prepared a feast for the entire family. Jillian turned to greet them with her hands covered in flour.

  “You three go off and bathe or shower. Use our suite. We’re having guests for supper tonight. Dress smartly!”

  Jillian’s children disappeared promptly with Abigail and Louise exchanging excited glances. Could the guests include the amazing Zoe Morton? Marian sat down wearily at the kitchen counter and asked what had been happening while they were gone.

  “It’s been quiet upstairs, Mom,” replied Terrence. “Jill and I relaxed on the balcony and supplied lunch and snacks, as and when required. We had a chance for a long talk.”

  The couple smiled at each other in a private way that gladdened Marian’s heart. Terrence continued.

  “Dr. Philips is bringing his wife here soon to meet Portia. Afterwards, we thought you could stay upstairs with Portia, if you like, and let father, Wesley and his wife eat with the family. Father thought it would be a nice way to thank the couple. How does that sound? We’ll send up a tray for you and Portia, of course; something a little milder, perhaps? I don’t think Mexican food is your favourite.”

  “It sounds wonderful! I am really ready to rest now. Thank you both for being so helpful. Your father and I are very grateful. None of this was what any of us expected from a week away in the resort but you two have pulled together so unselfishly. I am proud of you.”